Epsom - Lorraine D. Bonenfant, 98, died Tuesday, August 1st at the Harris Hill Health Care Center in Concord.
Born in Allenstown on March 6, 1925, Lorraine was the youngest daughter of Hilaire "Pete" and Olida (Saucier) Drolet. She spent more than 90 years in Epsom, first on her family's farm on Drolet Road and then for over 70 years in the home she and her husband built when they were married.
As a youngster she helped on a working dairy farm and was the youngest member of the Drolet Family Band. A versatile and talented musician, she played the piano, violin, accordion, drums, and xylophone, and even danced on roller skates on stage.
After Lorraine married, she dedicated herself to making her home a welcoming and comforting space, especially for her family. We remember good food on the stove at all times; her infamous holiday meals with enough to feed a small nation; goodies in the fridge, especially ice cream - lots of ice cream; card games for anyone who didn't mind losing to her; her preferred TV viewing, Judge Judy, and all the reruns of Little House on the Prairie and SVU; strolls through her backyard flower garden; bantering about everything from world news to moles in her lawn; plenty of side-splitting and tear-producing laughter; and an abundance of love.
In addition to her parents, Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Rene Bonenfant in 1978; and her siblings, Roland Drolet and Solange Mitchell.
She is survived by three children, Michele (Tom) Petit, Marc (Constance Manchester) Bonenfant, and Lisa Bonenfant; three granddaughters, Claudia (Sam) Kale, Leia (John) Simoni, and Lizette (Tim) Sliter; and her five great grandchildren, Sabrina, Marley, Bowden, Max and Mia.
Services are Monday, August 7th at St. John the Baptist Church in Allenstown. Visiting begins at 10 AM, Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, and burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Respecting Lorraine's love of food and fun, we invite friends to join us at the parish hall after the services.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to one of Lorraine's favorite charities, St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
We wish to thank the nursing staff of Harris Hill for the care they showed Lorraine during her stay there and Ray Neun who has assisted us with arrangements. On line condolences may be made through the Thibault-Neun Funeral Home at
www.neunfuneralhomes.com