Elizabeth M. Gilbert, 93

GILFORD — Elizabeth M. Gilbert, 93, long time resident of Laconia and Gilford, died Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Peabody Home in Franklin.

Elizabeth was born on Jan. 18, 1924, in Laconia, the daughter of Arkino and Evon (Guay) Russilillo. She attended St. John’s Elementary School and finished her high school years here in Laconia.

She married her loving husband, Rene Gilbert, on June 21, 1941, and together they raised eight children. Those were happy years for her as being a devoted mother came naturally to her. She was a wonderful cook and welcomed relatives, friends and boyfriends to her meals.

Elizabeth also worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Rene J. Gilbert Builders Company, for many years.

In addition, she hosted a sewing club where she served coffee and her delicious desserts, and she volunteered as a den mother for the Boy Scouts. She always had a passion for nature and found time to enjoy canoeing, hiking, and golfing.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 75 years, Rene Gilbert; a son, David Gilbert of Laconia; five daughters: Lorraine Sanborn of Gilford; Cheryl Allen of New Brunswick, Canada; Carolyn Kinsman of Seattle, Washington; Ruth Fecteau of Laconia, and Ellen Giguere of Laconia; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Allen; a son, John Gilbert; a brother, Lorenzo Russillo and a sister, Evelyn Daigneault.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at St. Andre Bessette Parish-St. Joseph Church, 30 Church St., Laconia. At 9:30 a.m., a half hour prior to the Mass, the family will receive friends at the church. Burial will follow the Mass in the family lot at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street in Laconia.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to the Holy Trinity School, 50 Church St., Laconia, NH 03246.

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, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.