New Hampshire, U.S., Marriage and Divorce Records, 1659-1947
William Kafkas
DOVER - William C. Kafkas, 86, formerly of Portland Avenue, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at Langdon Place of Dover.
Born in Dover on Oct. 30, 1916, the son of Christos and Helen (Castopoulos) Kafkas, he grew up in Dover.
He graduated from Dover High School where he played basketball and football. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire.
He worked for Montgomery Ward Co. for some 17 years, having worked at several locations including Huntington, W.Va., where he met his wife. He also managed their store in Baltimore, Md.
After returning to Dover in 1956, he went to work for Ross Payeur as the manager of his store, the Ross Furniture Co. in Dover, and later owned and operated the Ross Furniture Co. until his retirement in December 2000.
He was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and also attended the Dover Baptist Church with his wife.
He was a 45-year member of the Moses Paul Lodge of Masons.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Eloise (Perdue) Kafkas, in October 1999.
He is survived by a son, W. Mark Kafkas and his wife, Beverly of Gorham, Maine; four grandchildren, Janet Kafkas, Mark Kafkas, Stephen Kafkas and Elizabeth Kafkas; a sister, Rose Herrick of Connecticut; nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Locust Street, with the Rev. Constantine Newman, pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow in the Annunciation Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund, c/o Dover Baptist Church, Washington Street, Dover, NH 03820; or to the Hellenic Center Kitchen Fund, c/o Annunciation Church, Locust Street, Dover, NH 03820.
Kenneth MacDonald
EXETER - Kenneth Joseph MacDonald, 65, died Monday, April 7, 2003, at Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Exeter.
He was born in Portsmouth on Feb. 17, 1938, the son of Joseph Anthony MacDonald and Marie Virginia (Leonard) MacDonald.
As a small child, he was beautiful but distant, and lost the ability to speak at around age 2. He became hyperactive and was given to fits of temper, eventually also suffering grand mal seizures. The medical cause of his arrested development was never precisely determined.
In spite of these problems, his family did the best it could to give him a good life. He enjoyed sledding with his sister in the winters and playing in the backyard wading pool in the summers. He also enjoyed car rides through the countryside and long walks with his father, sister and family dog, Laddie, who was very protective.
His greatest source of joy was music - classical, country western and the songs his father sang for him, including Nat King Cole’s rendition of "Nature Boy."
In his teens, he played haunting and rhythmic tunes of his own invention on the piano.
All on his own, he was able to determine which plants growing in his back yard were edible and healthy. He would pick bunches of dandelions and clumps of elderberries, carefully shred them into a pan of water or diluted black coffee and then drink his homemade brew with obvious pleasure.
By age 20, he required professional supervision and was placed at New Hampshire Hospital until release by Federal Mandate in 1991. Subsequently, Community Developmental Services in the Seacoast area arranged placement for him in various private homes in Exeter and Raymond. Though severely limited, he was able to take part in some activities provided for him.
Special thanks are due to those who directly provided necessary care in the past two years of his declining health.
Those folks include Joan Guanga and her daughter, Marie of Raymond (his last private placement); Easter Seals; and the staffs of both Exeter Hospital and Sunbridge of Exeter. All involved were not only competent and compassionate but expressed genuine affection for him.
All who came to know him credited him with an uncanny intelligence and sense of humor.
He is survived by his father, former State Representative Joe MacDonald of Portsmouth; his sister and legal guardian, Eileen MacDonald of Portsmouth; as well as numerous cousins in New England, Nova Scotia and Great Britain.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory to benefit others similarly afflicted may be made to the New Hampshire Chapter of Easter Seals; to Autism research; or in memory of his mother, to ALS or MDA local chapters.
Arrangements by the Farrell Funeral Home, 684 State St., Portsmouth.
Joshua Alex
ROCHESTER - Joshua D. Alex, 22, of 42 Chamberlain St., died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
Born in Dover on Oct. 13, 1980, he was the son of Chris G. Alexandropoulos and Karen M. (Hillsgrove) Alex.
He attended Noble High School, where he enjoyed participating in both basketball and football. He lived much of his life in Berwick, Maine.
He was presently employed in construction by Jim Hines Contracting. He learned the trade of installing hardwood floors and it was his dream to someday own his own business and share his life with Christina.
During his short life, he touched many lives. He was a free-spirited man, always independent, yet caring, and true to his many friends. He enjoyed working with his hands, fishing and music. He enjoyed skateboarding and flying kites with someone special. It was his delight to spend time with his niece, Chelsea.
He was with us such a short time but he will surely be missed by his family and friends.
Family members include his mother and stepfather, Karen M. and Don Turmelle of Berwick; his father and stepmother, Chris G. and Lisa Alexandropoulos of Exeter; his brother and sister-in-law, Travis C. and Carrie Alex of Rochester; his stepsisters, Amanda and Tara Chick of Exeter; his maternal grandparents, Richard and Barbara "Bunkie" Hillsgrove of South Berwick, Maine; his paternal grandfather, John W. Alex and his wife, Carol Alex of Dover; his paternal grandmother, Shirley J. Alex of Portsmouth; his niece, Chelsea M. Alex of Rochester; his girlfriend, Christina Desrosiers of Rochester; aunts, uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles; and many close friends.
Relatives and friends may call Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., Dover. The funeral will be conducted in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Friday with the Rev. Aggie Jean, pastor of St. James Church, Portsmouth, officiating. Burial will follow in Exeter Cemetery.
Those desiring may make memorial donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire, 66 Hanover St., Suite 101, Manchester, NH 03101-2230.
Edna Callis
YORK, Maine - Edna M. Callis, 97, of 42 Raydon Road Ext., died Sunday, June 1, 2003, at The Edgewood Centre in Portsmouth, N.H.
She was born on March 26, 1906, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of Charles L. and Etta (Eyer) Bogard.
Mrs. Callis began her career as a licensed practical nurse acting as an operating room supervisor at Leonardtown Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. She later graduated from Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, Mass., as a certified x-ray technician. She continued her health care profession as an x-ray technician and electrocardiograph technician at Norwood Hospital, Norwood, Mass.
She was a designer and teacher of hooked rugs and was the teacher of a man who designed and hooked the rug of the Presidential Seal, which was on display in the White House and the Kennedy Compound.
She also enjoyed crewel work and was a teacher of the craft. She was a rug hooking teacher and member of the Pearl McGowen Gallery Association and taught in New England throughout the East Coast. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of York-Ogunquit.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard O. Callis, in 1956; a daughter, Vearldean (Bailey) Wright; and two sons-in-law, Carl Wommack and Douglas Russell.
Survivors include two daughters, Grace T. MacMillan and her husband, Warren of York, and Ethel Wommack of DeQueen, Ariz.; son-in-law, Dean Wright of DeQueen; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the United Methodist Church of York-Ogunquit, Route 1, York. There will be no visiting hours. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 16, in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, N.E. Affiliate, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701; or The Iris Network, 189 Park Ave., Portland, ME 04102.
Arrangements by the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, York.
ROMEO 'RUM' MESSIER
SOMERSWORTH - Romeo “Rum” Messier, 83, of 215 Main St., died Monday, June 2, 2003, at Riverside Rest Home, Dover, after a period of failing health.
He was born in Somers-worth on Oct. 1, 1919, the son of Wilfred and Alma (Dubois) Messier. He was raised in Somersworth and graduated from St. Martin Academy. He was a lifelong resident of Somersworth.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army. He served as caretaker for St. Martin Catholic Church, Somersworth, with over 50 years of service. He began as a janitor at the former St. Martin Academy. He is best known for his work at Mount Calvary Cemetery, a job he held and loved up until his illness.
He was very active in veteran’s affairs having served as commander of the Catholic War Veterans, Donald Roberge Post 1755. He was past commander of the American Legion Post 69 of Somersworth and a member of the 40 and 8. He was also a past president of the Holy Name Society of St. Martin Parish.
He will always be known for his service to the city, where he served Somersworth as a councilman of Ward 5 for over 28 years.
Family members include his wife of 54 years, Marie Ange (Bernier) Messier of Somersworth; four sons, Normand Messier of Berwick, Maine, Leo Messier of South Berwick, Maine, Martin Messier of Somersworth and Ben Messier of Berwick; three daughters, Rachel Spainhower and her husband, Peter of Somersworth, Marie McKenna of Somersworth and Michelle Cox and her husband, Michael of Berwick; one brother, Roland Messier of Somersworth; 17 grand children; eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Messier; a sister, Loretta Demers; and his son, David Messier, who died in 1989.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Martin Catholic Church, West High and Maple Streets, with the Rev. Aaron Pfaff, pastor as celebrant. Burial will follow with military honors in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Somersworth.
Because Mr. Messier had served St. Martin Parish for over 50 years, calling hours will be held in St. Martin Church on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A combined veteran’s service will be held at 7:30p.m. The family respectfully declines flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Calvary Cemetery Statue Restoration Fund or Riverside Rest Home Unit 5.
Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South St., Somersworth, is handling funeral arrangements.
Winthrop Nickerson
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Winthrop T. Nickerson, 82, formerly of Post Road in Wells, Maine, died on March 13, 2003.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy "Wheat" Nickerson.
Graveside services will be held 4 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at Ocean View Cemetery, Wells, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells.
Marcia Sanborn
OJAI, Calif. - Marcia Oakes Sanborn, 92, died peacefully at home in Ojai on Friday, May 30, 2003.
She was born in New York City on July 10, 1910. Upon her father’s retirement from his New York medical practice in 1925, the family returned to the Oakes’ family home in South Berwick, Maine.
She graduated from Berwick Academy in 1929 and lived in South Berwick until moving to Ventura County in 1949, when she married Willis Sanborn, a supervisor at the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu.
Mrs. Sanborn was predeceased by her husband, Willis Sanborn; her parents, Dr. Charles and Marcella Sheil Oakes; and her brother, Dr. Abner Oakes.
She is survived by many loving family members, including her nephew, Abner Oakes and family of Hamden, Conn.; many cousins including Bobbi Dufau and family of Ojai, Dr. Charles Berletti of Martinez and Marion Inchaustegui of Downingtown, Pa.; and all the members of the Sheil and Sanborn families.
Private interment will be at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura.
Bernice Walter
WOLFEBORO - Bernice (Piper) Walter, 96, of Pine Hill Road, died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Huggins Hospital, Wolfeboro.
She was born Nov. 2, 1906, in Tuftonboro and had lived in Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro all her life.
She was predeceased by her husband, Donald E. Walter.
Mrs. Walter was a member for more than 50 years of the Myrtle Rebekah Lodge No. 48 and the Lake Shore Grange No. 128, Wolfeboro.
Family members include a daughter, Marion E. Nason of Wolfeboro; a son, Donald E. Walter of Wallingford, Conn.; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Stanley Piper of Tuftonboro, Norman Piper of Wakefield and Carl Piper of Tuftonboro; a sister, Alice Brooks of Kittery, Maine; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lord Funeral Home, Route 28, Wolfeboro. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Lord Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hersey Cemetery, Wolfeboro.
Memorial donations may be made to Huggins Hospital Extended Care Activities, P.O. Box 912, Wolfeboro, NH 03894; or the Wolfeboro Fire Department, South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894.
Robert Weston
NOTTINGHAM - Robert "Bob" Weston, 68, of Nottingham, died peacefully at home on Monday, June 2, 2003, after a long bout with cancer.
He was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Portsmouth, the son of John Weston and Beatrice (Hilbourne) Weston. He was a graduate of Pensacola High School, Pensacola, Fla.
He retired in 1999 after a lifelong career in sales.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children, a son, Robert C. Weston and his wife, Sherry, and daughter, Christine of New Castle; daughter, Sharon Stehno and her son, Joseph of Gainesville, Fla.; son, Alan R. Weston and his wife, Sharon, and children, Brian and Kathryn of Rye; son, Michael and his wife, Kristen, and their son, Zackery of Portsmouth; son, Gary A. Black and his wife, Heidi, and their children, Caleb and Erin of Sabattus, Maine; son, David K. Black and his wife, Tracey, and their children, Ryan and Sandra; son, Steven W. Black and his wife, Selena, and their children, Gabriella and Cristina; and his beloved mother-in-law, Carol Winslow, all of Nottingham.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jack Weston.
He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and was most happy with the many, many friends that blessed his life.
Services will be private. No flowers please.
Memorial donations may be made to the Research for Lymphoma Program, c/o Dr. David C. Fisher, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.
Arrangements are under the direction of Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road, Lee.
Beatrice Brightman
PORTSMOUTH - Mrs. Beatrice Viola (Spinney) Brightman, 76, wife of T. Russell Brightman, of 143 Bluefish Blvd., died peacefully at her home after a brief illness on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2003.
Born on Aug. 25, 1927, she was a native of Portsmouth, the daughter of Frank W. and A. Viola (Hersey) Spinney. She was a graduate of Portsmouth High School, Class of 1945.
She was formerly employed as a teller for the Maine National Bank and First National Bank of Portsmouth.
She was a lifetime member of the North Congregational Church in Portsmouth, where she was a former Deaconess, member of the North Church Women, and a proud volunteer of the Nearly New Shop.
She was a former Girl Scout Leader; Den Mother of Troop 164; former member of the Advisory Board of the Portsmouth Assembly No. 2, International Order of Rainbow for Girls; and a member of Rivermouth Chapter No. 54, Order of Eastern Star in Portsmouth.
She and her husband, Russ, enjoyed 15 years of retirement at their home in Lady Lake, Fla. They summered in the Seacoast area. She enjoyed playing golf in the South with their many friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family bestowed upon her many affectionate names, Mom, Mum, Grammie and G.G. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, baking and spending time with her family, most recently her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband of 55 years, survivors include a son, Thomas Brightman and his wife, Donna, of Bow; two daughters, Linda Kittredge and friend, Russ Brackett, of Barrington, Debra V. Brightman-Jones and her husband, Gene, of Greenland; five grandchildren, Laurie Lent and husband, Tom, of Portsmouth, Timothy Bean and his wife, Jennifer, of Elizabethtown, Pa., Laura O’Neill Brightman of Bow, Sarah Eyre Jones and Nathan Russell Jones of Greenland; three great-grandchildren, Erin and Justin Lent of Portsmouth, and Gavin Bean of Elizabethtown, Pa; her brother, Francis Spinney of Portsmouth; and several nieces and nephews. Beatrice was predeceased by her sister, Mildred, and infant daughter Carol.
A funeral service will be held at North Congregational Church, Market Square, Portsmouth, Friday at 2 p.m.. Friends invited. Visiting hours will be held at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to the North Church Steeple Fund, 355 Spinney Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801 or Memorial Gift Coordinator, Bektash Shriners, Boston Unit (Burns), PO Box 7252, Concord, NH 03301-7252.
