Iola May Zins, 101, died on November 16 at Windham Terrace following a short period of declining health. She was born in Amherst, NH on October 28, 1908, the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Butterfield) Bills. She was a resident of Windham for 77 years.
During her childhood years, Iola was mainly raised by her grandmother who operated boarding houses. Iola’s life was one of hardship and hard work as they moved from town to town in New Hampshire and Maine. In 1931, she married Eugene Zins of Windham and moved to the Zins farm in 1932 where she became the caregiver for her husband’s parents for 20 years. The farm was an open-door home where everyone was welcome at anytime, day or night, creating a bustling and happy atmosphere which Iola had rarely experienced. Large gatherings on holidays and other occasions found Iola preparing a huge meal as if she was a head chef in a restaurant. Following her husband’s death in 1961, she worked at Derry Shoe, and retired from Sanders Associates of Nashua in 1973. Her life of leisure had finally arrived, but she was still available at anytime to care for her grandchildren when needed.
In her younger years, Iola loved ballroom dancing, traveling with her sister and friends, and spending time with her family. When Windham got cable TV, she became a fan of country music, and was thrilled to go to Nashville for her 80th birthday with her children. Iola was a member of the Windham Grange, where she served in many offices including Master, and also a 50+-year member of Pomona Grange. She was a charter member of the Breakfast Club, and the Windham Senior Citizens. She received many volunteer awards for her work at the Senior Center, including the Angel of the Year Award. Her years with the Senior Citizens kept her young, and she especially enjoyed the many bus trips with her “senior” friends.
Although Iola experienced many challenges in her long life, she faced them without complaint and with the grace of a lady. She will be remembered for her quiet, unassuming and caring personality along with her willingness to help others.
Iola was loved dearly by her family and everyone who knew her, and our angel on Earth has now joined the angels in Heaven. She will be missed by all.
Iola is survived by her daughter, Elaine Keefe and her husband Frank, her son, Paul and his wife Jeannine, nine grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, cousins, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Ena Hodgkinson, and half brother, Earle Greeley.
Calling hours were held on Friday November 20th from 3 - 6pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. The funeral was held Saturday at 10am in the funeral home. The burial followed in Cemetery on the Plain in Windham. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to either the Shepherds Pantry, 1 Church St., Windham NH 03087 or the Windham Senior Citizens, 3 N. Lowell Rd., Windham NH 03087.