French & Rising Funeral Home

A Sweet Petit Angel has Gone to Heaven 3/25/47-4/24/25 Diane Vignola 78, of Weare passed peacefully at her home on April 24. She had valiantly battled cancer for the second time and unfortunately her body could no longer sustain. She had been surrounded by family and friends for the last couple months of life. Diane was a loving "Great" Grammy, Grammy, Mother and friend to so many. Recently she had the opportunity to travel to North Carolina to meet her Great Grand baby, little miss Elle and though she was not well you could see the love when she got to hold that little bundle of joy. For many years, she and her recently passed husband Arthur were a big part of the Goffstown community,...

Sandra L Winslow ( 71) of Weare NH passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on April 20th 2025. Born in Concord NH to John H Winslow and Jeweline (Roye Winslow) Colburn. She was the 6th of 14 children. She passionately loved Jesus, exemplifying her faith in loving all but especially her family. Never meeting a stranger, she was a witness of the love of Jesus Christ to everyone she encountered. A song writer, and singer, Sandy was amazingly talented, artistically gifted in woodworking, painting, mechanics and auto body work. Having the admiration of many nieces and nephews her life was filled with joy. Predeceased by her Brothers John Winslow, Roger Winslow, David Winslow. Sister...

Brian LaFontaine, 67, of Merrimack, NH passed away peacefully at home on Sunday April 20, 2025 after a long battle with lung cancer. Brian was born on June 3, 1957 to parents William and Claire (Higham) LaFontaine in Warwick, RI. He is the 3rd child out of 4 boys. He spent his childhood living in RI, where he made lifelong friends (especially the Reservoir Rd crew) before moving to FL for a few years and later to NH where he has resided for 30+ years. Brian had little interest in school but later went on to own his own successful carpet cleaning and janitorial business for close to 30 years until retirement. He met his wife Rose through mutual friends and they were married not long after...

Brian LaFontaine, 67, of Merrimack, NH passed away peacefully at home on Sunday April 20, 2025 after a long battle with lung cancer. Brian was born on June 3, 1957 to parents William and Claire (Higham) LaFontaine in Warwick, RI. He is the 3rd child out of 4 boys. He spent his childhood living in RI, where he made lifelong friends (especially the Reservoir Rd crew) before moving to FL for a few years and later to NH where he has resided for 30+ years. Brian had little interest in school but later went on to own his own successful carpet cleaning and janitorial business for close to 30 years until retirement. He met his wife Rose through mutual friends and they were married not long after...

Our hearts are heavier these days with the news that Jeannette Rita Brewer (Lefebvre), a Goffstown resident for most of her life (with a sunny detour to Leesburg, FL for 15 years), passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, back in her beloved New Hampshire. Born on February 27, 1943, she led a life filled with love and creativity during her 82 years. Jeannette was very talented! In addition to being a florist who created beautiful bouquets; she was also an accomplished baker, designing gorgeous wedding, shower, and birthday cakes that were the centerpiece of many celebrations. Jeannette loved family gatherings - tea parties and Red Hat events with her sisters, boat rides with her children...

Claudette Louise Blanchette 80 years old, passed away peacefully while at home surrounded by her family on March 24, 2025. She was born in Manchester, to Romeo (Paul) and Myra (Langlois) Boucher. She was then a resident of Weare and previously lived in Bedford for many years. In her career she worked at NH Eye Associates for many years and completed her career at Elliot Hospital Senior Health. Claudette enjoyed life with her family and friends. Her most memorable times and moments included cruises (26), time by the pool, boating, camping, and ATVing. Claudette was known for her creativity, kind-hearted self, and for always putting others needs before her own. She proudly made wedding...

Terri Taylor August, 94, died on March 8, 2025 at American House in Keene, NH following a short illness. Terri was born on November 7th, 1930 in Bluefield, West Virginia during the Great Depression. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Rudolph Louis August, in 2004. She is survived by her children Carmen McPherson (Killeen, TX), Barbara (Lucius) Evans (Chesterfield, NH), Teresa (Augie) Lopedota (Waterboro, ME), Stephen (Patricia Mellor) August (Merrimack, NH), and Paul (Tracy) August (Tucson, AZ). She is also survived by grandchildren Delilah, James, Sean, Brittany, Simon, Allison, Brady, and Ethan, and many other loved ones. Terri and her beloved companion dog, Pierre, were well...

Joseph Garard Bigwood sadly passed away on March 1st 2025, at the VNA Hospice House in Concord NH. Joseph was born in Boston, Massachusetts, he is the son of John and Margaret (Doyle) Bigwood. Joe graduated from Dorchester High School in 1962 and worked for The Federal Reserve of Boston in financial services and bank examinations. He then became a full-time firefighter in Albany New York for a time and ran a commercial cleaning company on the side. He moved to New Hampshire in 1968. Joe started cooking for his own family as a child, volunteered as the cook for his Fire Company and then went to work at New England College as a chef for 4 years and at the NH State Hospital for 3 more years...

Frances Emily Towne Born: October 19, 1927 in New Boston, N.H. Parents: Jesse W. Byam and E. Josephine (Upton) Byam Graduated New Boston High School Class of 1945 and Hesser Business College 1946. Married Howard M. Towne December 8, 1946 Member of Community Church of New Boston for over 60 years, member and soloist for the choir for many years and member and past president of the New Mizpah Circle. Member and past president of Emerson, Bailey, Clover unit #19, American Legion Auxiliary. Golden Sheaf member of Joe English Grange #53, past Master as well as holding many other offices. Member Hillsbrough Co. Pomona Grange #1 Member of New Hampshire State Grange: Served as: Member of...

Claire Angela Hunter (Shallow), 89 of Weare, NH passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 31, 2025. She was born in Cookshire, Quebec, Canada, on October 13, 1935, daughter to the late Holman Shallow and Clairbel Shallow (Ward). She was raised in Goffstown, NH and moved to Weare, New Hampshire when she married in 1960 and remained a resident until her death. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Richard H. Hunter, her daughter, Lori Beth Hoyt (Hunter); her grandson; Aaron Hoyt and her sister Elizabeth Cox (Shallow). Claire is survived by her daughter; Teri Angela Snow (Hunter) of Goffstown; her grandchildren; Amanda Hinton (Hoyt) of Swanzey, and Angela Snow of...

Imogene Mae Williams died at Bel-Air Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Goffstown, NH on January 7, 2025 at the age of 103 years old. Born in Goffstown, NH on April 23,1921, she was the daughter of George and Gladys Williams and sister to Violet Buckley. There will be no calling hours. The funeral service will be held on Thursday January 16th at 11:00 am at the Hillside United Methodist Church, 82 Center St. in Goffstown, NH. The burial will be held in the spring at Hillside Cemetery in Goffstown, NH 03045. French and Rising funeral home in Goffstown, NH is handling the arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guestbook please visit www.frenchandrising.com

James Untiet, 71, of Goffstown NH passed away on January 7, 2025. First of six sons to Donald and Jeannine (Gardner) Untiet, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and his beloved animals. He retired from Harvey Industries and was an active Sacristan at St. Raphael Parish. Jim is survived by his wife of 27 years, Annette (Pinard) and brothers Richard, Larry, Tom, Brian and Gary as well as many in-laws and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and first wife Karen (Wilkinson). A graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the spring. For more information or to sign an online guestbook please visit www.frenchandrising.com.

Barbara Anne Brown, 83, formerly of Goffstown, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Coos County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown after a long battle with dementia. Born to the late Reginald "Reggie" G. Brown and Emily "Billy" Condon Brown in Newport, Barbara was the beloved wife of the late David Arthur Doiron, who died on November 2, 2015. After graduating from high school and Keene State College, she dedicated her passion for early education to teaching 4th-grade students at Mastricola Elementary School in Merrimack. Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer Doiron Pettigrew (Mark) of Concord and Elizabeth Doiron Areyzaga (widowed) of Dunbarton, as well as her brother Stewart...

Arthur C. Vignola, 79, of Weare, NH passed away on December 31 with his family present after a brief hospital stay. Born in Lowell Ma, Arthur was one of 6 children born to the late Arthur and Mary Vignola. Arthur was the proud owner of a small family business, Vignola's Family Restaurant located in Goffstown NH. He was a big part of the community supporting local sports, school fundraisers and bringing meals to elderly patrons who could no longer drive to the restaurant. Arthur also proudly served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He loved gardening, both his beautiful annuals and perennials along with his veggie garden. Arthur shared his love with many family and friends, but...

Robert W. Whitmore of Weare New Hampshire passed away on December 23rd, 2024. Born on October 20th, 1936, the son of William and Margaret (Lange) Whitmore. Leaving behind Edna, his wife of 66 years. Also leaving behind his 3 children Linda, Michael, and Carol, his 2 grandchildren, and his 3 great grandchildren. Robert worked at Foster Grant, Hussy Molding, and Batesville Casket Company doing maintenance and electrical. Robert owned and operated The Palermo Mines, discovering 6 new minerals or occurrences having one named Whitmoreite in his honor. Robert also had two books. One was named The Pegmatite Mines known as Palermo and the other Gems and Journeys stories of Bob Whitmore. Robert...

Barbara Maude Buck died Dec 22 2024 with family at her side. Barbara was born Mar 5 1926 to Donald and Marjorie Wood in Norway Maine, the youngest of 3 children. She graduated high school in Norway Maine in the aftermath of WWII and went to work as a telephone operator. She married Charles (Charlie) Willard Buck in 1951 and the first of 6 children was born in 1952. A job related move to Amherst in the middle 1950s began a 7 decade affiliation with the Souhegan Valley. A homemaker for the large family defined her early life but she began to show signs of one of her lifelong pursuits, gardening and in particular perennials which are now in most family's gardens across New England. At some...

Richard Ernest Fletcher, 89, of Goffstown, NH passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He was born in Grasmere, NH in 1935 to Ernest W. Fletcher and Erlene M. Fletcher. He is a graduate of Goffstown High School Class of 1953. He played all sports from 8th grade to his senior year. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He worked for Burnham Brothers and then owned Fletcher's Oil Service in 1971. He joined Goffstown fire department as a volunteer firefighter in November 1958. He served in the Goffstown Fire Department for a total of 40 years. After 17 years as a volunteer firefighter and captain, he was appointed Fire Chief in...

Zoilo M. Azotea Jr. 89, of Goffstown, NH sadly passed away on December 13th,2024, at the Laconia Rehab. Born in Woodstock, New Hampshire, He is the son of Zoilo and Thursa (Glidden) Azotea. Zoilo worked for Moore Business as a maintenance man. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved camping and was out every year on his annual camping trip. He was also a member of the Gold Wing Riders Association and traveled across the country on his trike. Zoilo was pre deceased by his wife Judith (Upham) Azotea, son Joseph Azotea and son Timothy Azotea. Zoilo is survived by his daughter Cindy Bugbee and her husband Brian of Gilmanton Iron Works NH, his grandchildren, Sarah (Bugbee)...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard "Rick" Brown, age 66, of Weare, on November 30, 2024. Rick was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Rick worked for Brownie's Sand and Gravel, a family-owned business, for over 40 years. His dedication and hard work were integral to the success of the company, and his contributions will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Rick is survived by his father, Burton Brown; his sister, Deborah, and her husband, Andrew Izbicki; his brother, Robert, and his wife, Victoria; his niece and nephew,...

Fred was born in Columbia, NH on September 8, 1932. He lived in Colebrook for 12 years, living in many houses in the area. He was the seventh son of Melrose and Alice Gould. When he was nine his Mom passed and that broke up the family. He lived with his sister June for a year before coming to Goffstown at 12 to live and work at Oak Knoll Farm, a poultry farm owned by Rufus and Christine Jennings. He came to love school, sports and boy scouts. He never missed a day of school in the 6 years of school in Goffstown. He played all the sports that the school offered. Before going to college he was adopted by the Jennings. In college he was a member of the AGR fraternity and continued to socialize...

Annick Marie Moore (Nicky), 66, passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 22nd 2024, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester NH. She was born in Manchester NH, the daughter of Alfons Vaal and Simona Robinson. She is survived by her children. Amanda Gaessler (and her husband John, grandsons John and Thomas) of Goffstown NH and Todd Merrill (and his wife Gina, grandson Sandy) of Kunkletown, PA. Also survived by her mother Simona Robinson, sister Rowena Vaal and brother Bruce Vaal (Janelle and daughter Devyn) all of Meredith NH. Predeceased by father Alfons Vaal and granddaughter Emma Merrill. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday December 4th from 4:00pm to 7:00 at the French and Rising...