Marie "Bea" Lapierre

Marie Beatrice Lapierre, known as Bea, a 55 year resident of 33 Clement Street and recently of, Amherst, widow of Wilfred L. Lapierre, passed away peacefully, on September 18, 2012, after a loving and joyful life of 101 years.

Bea was the second of eight children born in Chambord, Canada, on May 12, 1911, to the late Patrick and Eugenie (Ouellet) Fortin. Bea always credited her family with instilling a deep faith in God and the importance of loving one’s self. Her faith allowed her to reach out and share her love with family, friends, neighbors and strangers she met along life’s journey. Bea was just fifteen years old when her mother became seriously ill and, as the eldest daughter, she was forced to leave school and help take care of her younger siblings. Three years later, her mother would succumb to her illness and Bea would continue caring for her family until her marriage, at age 22, to Wilfred L. Lapierre of Nashua, NH.

Bea and Wilfred were married at St. Louis Church in Chambord, Canada on June 9, 1933, thus beginning a relationship and love affair that would last over 75 years until Wilfred’s death in 2008, at the age of 101. Wilfred would always be quick to say that no one could cook or play bingo like Bea! Bea would always say that she had been blessed to marry such a good man. The Lapierre’s home was a happy welcoming place to all who entered not only for Bea’s home cooked meals but also for the generous helping of love, laughter, music, dancing and general celebration. Family was Bea’s greatest joy. She dedicated herself to the success and happiness of her husband and children and was cherished not only by them, but also by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whose lives she touched forever with her kindness, love, support and smiles.

Bea and Wilfred enjoyed many wonderful times, during their 75 years of marriage. Bea would tell you that the twenty three years they spent traveling throughout the United States and Canada, in their motor home, were especially fun filled and memorable. They thoroughly enjoyed their trips to Arizona, Florida, New Mexico and Texas, as well as the special times they spent with friends and family in various parts of Canada. In 1958, they traveled to Canada to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, at a large gathering with their extended families. Twenty five years later, in 1983, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Paris and Lourdes, France and various destinations in Switzerland. In June 2008, Bea felt blessed when she and Wilfred were able to celebrate 75 years of marriage with their family and closest friends.

Bea was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne, Ladies of Charity and the Choir the Blessed John XXIII Parish, in Nashua, for many years. She was also proud to be the oldest member of Joyful Notes, a singing group that entertained at various venues throughout the year. During Bea and Wilfred’s trips to Arizona, she became involved with the singing group, Sunny Sand. Bea enjoyed singing with the group, playing the organ and meeting new friends among strangers.

In addition to her husband and parents, Bea was predeceased by two children, Delia and Roger Lapierrre and five brothers and two sisters: Edmour, Paul, Marc Andre, Philippe, Patrick, Martha and Georgette, all of Canada. She leaves behind a sister, Gabrielle Tremblay and four children and their spouses: Roland and Mona Lapierre, Jean and Joyce Lapierre, all of Nashua, Linda and Richard Riley of Amherst, with whom she lived in the last years of her life, and Lucien and Patti Lapierre of Florence, SC; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. She is also survived by a sister, Gabrielle Tremblay of Chambord, Canada. Bea has been a true blessing to all who have known her. She has left us only in her physical being and will remain in our hearts and lives, forever. Her smile and generous spirit will always be remembered.

Calling hours were held on Friday, September 28th from 2pm to 4pm & 7pm to 9pm, at Zis-Sweeney Funeral Home, 26 Kinsley St., Nashua, NH 03060. A Mass of Christian Buria lwas celebrated on Saturday, September 29th, at Blessed John XXIII at Infant Jesus Church, 121 Allds St., Nashua, NH, at 9:30am. Buria lfollowed, at St. Louis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations, in Bea's name, be made to the Corpus Christ Food Pantry, 43 Franklin St., Nashua, NH 03064.