LACONIA ---- Thea Marie Fogarty, 62, of Laconia, New Hampshire, died at her home on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Thea was born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, to William and Mary Carter and moved with her family to Gilford, New Hampshire, in 1970. She graduated from Gilford High School in 1982, where she was a talented athlete, participating in basketball, track, and field hockey. She continued her education at Plymouth State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1986.
One of Thea’s proudest accomplishments was putting herself through college. During the summers, she faithfully rode her bicycle to work at the Weirs Beach Waterslide, and during the school year she served customers at Biederman’s Deli. Her determination, independence, and strong work ethic were qualities that remained with her throughout her life.
Professionally, Thea built a career in business and staffing, working for The Limited, Manpower, and The Personnel Connection. Wherever she worked, she brought dedication, organization, and genuine care for the people around her.
Thea first met her future husband, Michael Fogarty, while they both worked at the Weirs Beach Waterslide. Although their paths diverged for a time, they reconnected years later and were married in 1994. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and shared adventures.
Nothing brought Thea greater joy than being a mother. She was deeply devoted to her sons, Daniel and Matthew. She embraced every stage of motherhood with enthusiasm and love. Whether preparing supper, giving baths, reading bedtime stories, enjoying beach time, or inventing new games to play, her face seemed to light up with every opportunity to care for her boys. Those moments were among the greatest joys of her life.
Thea also had a remarkable gift for organization. Family and friends will fondly
remember the beautifully planned holiday gatherings and summer cookouts that she so effortlessly orchestrated. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and well fed.
An avid outdoorswoman, Thea found peace on the trails of New Hampshire. She
especially cherished hiking with her family and with her dear friends, Judy Cook of Gilford, New Hampshire, and Sandy Bruhn of Granby, Connecticut. Over the past four and a half years, her beloved rescue dog, Tito, became her hiking companion. Few dogs have ever been more lovingly cared for or more closely monitored for their health and happiness. Tito accompanied Thea on countless hikes throughout the White Mountains and Lakes Region and was rarely far from her side.
Thea is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Michael Fogarty; her sons, Daniel Fogarty of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Matthew Fogarty of El Paso, Texas; her siblings, Terry Carter of Odessa, Missouri; Mary-Ellen Richardson and her husband, Mark Richardson of Gilford, NH; Ann Rush of Topeka, Kansas; Kathleen Carter of Concord; and Lisa Carter of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, and her husband, Steven Smith; her niece and goddaughter, Julie Lightcap, her nephew, Justin Carter; her niece, Kimberley Richardson; her nephew Nicholas Richardson; and many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Carter, and her infant brother,
James Carter.
Thea will be remembered for her generous heart, quiet determination, unwavering love for her family, her joyfulness in the outdoors, and her extraordinary ability to make a house feel like home. Those who loved her will forever remember her happiness on the hiking trails, the warmth of her holiday table, and the fierce devotion she gave to the people and animals entrusted with her care.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Thea’s memory to reach out with compassion and spend time with someone who may be struggling.
Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home,164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00am at the St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia NH.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.