Charity A. Patten, 71

LACONIA — Charity Ann Patten, 71, died May 24, 2024, surrounded by family after a lengthy illness.

Charity was born in Concord, one of five children of Alfred and Ruth (née Blake) Carson. The family lived in Loudon and she attended the Village School and later graduated from Merrimack Valley High School.

She met and married Gary Patten, they moved to Alexandria, and shortly after they started a family. Charity was a stay-at-home mother, homemaker, caregiver, and community volunteer. She often cared for other children in her home. She was an active member of the Alexandria United Methodist Church and its Ladies Auxiliary and served for many years as the director of Christian education.

Charity had a gift of hospitality and caring for others, whether it was cooking for those in need or driving them to medical appointments or necessary errands. She also enjoyed crafting, crocheting, plastic canvas and many other mediums.

Family meant everything to Charity. She loved time spent with her children and grandchildren and relished family trips and adventures any time she had the opportunity.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Patten of Laconia, son Scott (Kimberly) Patten of Laconia; daughter Tricia Patten of Laconia; two granddaughters Abigail and Angela Patten; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Gene, Fred, David and Jere Carson.

Since moving to Laconia four years ago, she has become a member of Real Life Church, where her love of the Lord was nurtured and strengthened.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette/Emmons Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Real Life Church, 22 Pleasant St.

For those who wish, the family suggests donations to Real Life Church, 22 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH 03246, or to Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/Emmons Funeral Home, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.