LACONIA --- Evelyn Louise (Rolfe) Moody, 92 of Laconia, New Hampshire went to meet her Savior on Thursday, October 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Evelyn was born on May 7, 1932 in Belmont, NH, the daughter of the late Nelson Monroe Rolfe and Louise (Paradise) Rolfe. Evelyn was born and spent her early years on her beloved grandparent’s family farm with her mother, Louise, brothers Nelson and Leo, and cousins Maurice, Rose and Lionel. She treasured this time and often recalled stories and fond memories of her “Golden Days”. She could describe in colorful detail the special hiding places in the barn, the many farm animals and the daily adventures she and the kids would have.
Evelyn started working at 16 years of age for Week’s Dairy Bar, and later Hunter’s Hosiery and Woolworth’s in Laconia, NH. She was a bright and active student at school in Belmont, NH and graduated from Belmont High School in 1950. Later that year she married Floyd Nelson Moody on September 30, 1950. The young couple lived in Belmont until 1957 when they and their first three children made their home in Gilford, NH. The family grew to six children and called Lily Pond Road home for 57 years. Evelyn cherished being a mother and created a welcoming home. She extended her warmth to many friends over the years. She was passionate about her home and raising and caring for her family. From maintaining a bountiful garden, cooking home style meals, bottling root beer, having outdoor cookouts, dancing to her favorite music, sewing, crocheting, knitting intricate sweaters, hats and treasured gifts, Evelyn’s days were always full.
She was always kind to all who came into her presence. She adored holding babies and tending to small children. She was known for nursing wounded and abandoned animals back to health. She showed a patient and caring hand for many rescued and beloved pets. She also loved feeding the birds and listening to their songs.
Evelyn very much enjoyed working alongside her close friend Annette Poirier for 25 years at Abakee Cottages on Lake Winnepesaukee. Every year she looked forward to attending Gilford Old home Day and summer vacations at Wells Beach in Maine surrounded by loved ones. She truly loved life!
In May 2021, she moved to her home on Gilman Street in Laconia, NH, with her son Michael. She was proud of this accomplishment and celebrated living in her comfortable home surrounded by her wonderfully caring neighbors. There was a steady stream of her children and grandchildren visiting to have a heart-to-heart talk with her, cook with her or share some of her favorite music together. At 92, she still danced with a hand to hold her steady.
Evelyn is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Floyd Moody; brothers Nelson Rolfe and Leo Rolfe; sisters Alice Smith and Nancy Merrill; and her parents.
Evelyn is survived by her six children, Tina Jurta, Michael Moody, Janelle Labarre and her husband Richard, Nolan Moody and his wife Lisa Brouillette-Moody, Emily Moody and her husband Jim Faville, Jennifer Paradise; step daughter Bonnie Sewell; sisters in law Theresa Rolfe and Charlotte Moody; many nieces and nephews; also, other dear family members by choice Rick Persons and Christopher Rasmussen who have loved and helped her and her son Michael so much along the way. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Melissa Genakos and her children Vanessa and Karson Genakos, Jake Jurta and Amanda Wright and their children Lily Wright, Dylan and Joey Jurta, Evan Labarre, Brendan Labarre with Annette Johnson, and Allison Labarre; Daniel Moody, Mary Moody, Emeree Dawe-Moody and Jack Dawe-Moody; Cameron McGonagle, Ellouise McGonagle and Mason McGonagle.
Evelyn’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all who cared for her at Concord Hospital in Laconia, the Granite VNA and Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home.
There will be no calling hours.
A private family service will be held for all members of Evelyn’s family on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Evelyn’s name can be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.