Cynthia J. “Cindy” Achilles, 86, of Derry, NH, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Catholic Medical Center, Manchester, NH. She was born on May 22, 1937, in Newport, NH, daughter of the late Harry and Delia (Lower) Burnham. Cindy was raised in Newport before meeting and marrying Henry “Hank” Achilles, Jr. She became a devoted Navy wife, moving the family as needed. In 1977, the family moved to Derry, her home, for the next 46 years. Cindy was department head of Men’s Clothing at Almy’s Department Store in Derry for many years. After retirement, she remained active in the Derry community through her volunteer work and public service. You could find her applying her talents at various nursing homes helping seniors, mentoring future business students at Pinkerton Academy, assisting efforts to support veterans, and helping with voter checklists during town elections. Her interests included gardening, sewing, and “thinking outside the box”. She was a life-long learner, avid reader and was always up for a good game of cards or Mexican train. Her compassion and empathy for others, pragmatic approach to dealing with challenges, and her positive outlook will be missed by all the lives she has touched.
She is survived by three sons, Bruce Achilles and wife Debbie of Londonderry, NH, Michael Achilles and wife Heather of Gilmanton, NH, and Steven Achilles and wife Marge of Southborough, MA; four grandchildren, several great grandchildren, two brothers, Harry Burnham, Jr. of Windham, NH and David Burnham of Newport, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased in 2005 by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Henry “Hank” Achilles, Jr.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, burial will be at the convenience of the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New England Heart & Vascular Institute at Catholic Medical Center of Manchester.