Doris L. Kimball Vezina, 94

Doris L. Kimball Vezina, 94

BOSCAWEN — Doris L. Kimball Vezina, 94, of Boscawen, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, following a period of declining health.

Doris was born in Boscawen on July 2, 1922, to Walter E. and Grace M. (Bartlett) Houston.

She attended Boscawen Elementary School and graduated from Penacook High School in 1940.

Following graduation, Doris married Harold C. Kimball and together they had eight wonderful children. She spent many happy years as a homemaker devoted to raising her children. When the kids were all grown, she took a job at Webster Valve, where she stayed for 22 years, and then worked as a housekeeper at Merrimack Country Nursing Home where she retired after 11 years. Never known for being idle, Doris decided to continue working into her retirement and volunteered in the nursing home gift shop.

During her life, Doris was a faithful member of the Congregational-Christian Church in Franklin. She was a member of the Deaconate, participated in the church's community outreach program, sat on the music committee and sang in the choir for 42 years. Doris also volunteered with Bread & Roses, a program which provides warm, home-cooked dinners to the needy.

Family was everything to Doris. Her children lovingly describe her as "the best mother in the world" and she made sure to instill strong values in each and every one of them. She opened her home to her children's friends and loved them all as if they were her own. She was also an incredible baker whose whoopie pies were legendary in the family circle.

Doris is survived by her eight children, Wayne Kimball and Linda of Franklin, Steve Kimball and Rita of Franklin, Judy Dion of Florida, Jeanne Bush and Bob Smith of Franklin, Richard Kimball and Norma of Franklin, Alan Kimball of Franklin, Paul Kimball and Beverly of Andover, and Cindy Day and Dennis of Franklin; her sister, Margaret Baker of Nottingham; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Harold C. Kimball in 1984, and by her second husband, Oscar L. Vezina in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Earl, Ernest and Richard Houston; her sisters, Barbara McCue and Virginia Ford; and three grandchildren, Gary Kimball, Jeffrey Kimball and Brian Gosselin.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, Nov. 7, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Congregational-Christian Church of Franklin at 25 South Main St. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. and cemetery committal will follow immediately at Franklin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in Doris' memory may be made to the Congregational-Christian Church Memorial Fund, 25 South Main St., Franklin, NH 03235.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial or leave a message of condolence please go to www.phaneuf.net