Eleanor C. Prior, 80

GILFORD — Eleanor C. Prior, 80, of Old Lake Shore Road passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018.

Eleanor was born on Dec. 1, 1937, in Beverly, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Alfred Chase and Madeline (Jones) Griffin.

She spent her Elementary years in Beverly, then settled in Manchester, Connecticut, where she graduated from Manchester High School in the class of 1955. She remained in the small town of Manchester to raise her loving two sons and daughter. In the late 1970s she moved to Alton where she took pride in owning and operating the The Lamplighter Cottages. Her giving nature reflected in her work at Kim's Kiddie Korner, as a substitute teacher at Alton Central High School, and as school secretary until her retirement.

Eleanor is survived by her brother, Ted Griffin and his wife Irene of Alton Bay; son, Frank Prior and his fiancee Neille Sullivan, of Gonic, son Scott Prior, of Key Largo, Florida, daughter, Patricia Bolduc and her husband Edouard Bolduc of Tolland, Connecticut. She is also survived by, David and Donna DeCiantis of South Windsor Connecticut, and Cheryl Ryan Deflumeri of Alton. Eleanor had and adored, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her stepfather, Charles Griffin; a sister, Cynthia Sinclair; and ex-husband, Frank Prior.

Just before retirement, Eleanor and her love, Robert Ritchie, made their home in Gilford. Forever the sun-seekers, they spent many winters wandering the shores of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and cruising the coast with Bob in his Corvette. Always a lover of life, Eleanor sought joy in everything and everyone she touched. From the serenity of the sand between her toes on beach walks and hand-clapping beats of country line-dancing, to the laughter and joy of her grand and great-grandchildren, to the friendly competition of Mahjong with her friends, a smile was always found upon her face. She showed her love in many ways, including each stitch of her beloved cross-stitch and crafting gifts. Eleanor’s love and light affected countless people and friends from North Conway to the Maine Coast. Her smile cast calm and assurance to all in her path. We know she will continue to shine that smile down on us as we continue our journey on earth, and she continues hers, above.

Special thanks to Dr. Charles Catcher, oncologist, and his staff for providing the best care and respecting her wishes. She truly loved you all.

Also, special thanks to the Central New Hampshire Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, who made it possible to take care of Eleanor comfortably at home.

There will be no calling hours, per her wishes. Burial will take place at a later date in the family plot in Riverside Cemetery, Alton.

For those who wish, the family suggest memorial donations in Eleanor’s name be made to the Anderson Ganong Cancer Center in the Lakes Region General Hospital, or to the Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.