LAKEPORT — Mary E. Champion, 83, passed away Jan. 20, 2025, at her home after a period of declining health.
A true native, Mary was born in Lakeport, the daughter of Hiram and Mabel (née Sorrell) Rollins. She attended local schools and then began working at the Belknap Mill and later the American Asbestos Industries. In 1963, she married Andrew Champion Jr. In 1972, they moved to Michigan, where she worked at Green Bay Foods. She returned to Lakeport in 1987, and worked for L.W. Packard Co. in Ashland, until her retirement.
Mary was devoted to her family and will be greatly missed by them all.
She is survived by a daughter, Lori Champion of Lakeport; sons John Champion of Berlin and Michael (Marie) Champion of Franklin; stepdaughters Priscilla Dodge of Franklin and Joyce Lewandowski of Manchester, Connecticut; 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; one sister, Frances Brooks of Spring Branch, Texas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, James Champion; stepdaughter Linda Beaupre; brothers Henry, David, and Raymond Rollins; and sister Roxanna Parsley.
Memorial calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 30, at Franklin Cemetery, 31 Thompson Park, Franklin.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.
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Rick Nelson. Representing the Nelson family, we are very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. We too have lost Bruce and Judy this year. Our families members grew up with Mary and her siblings in Little Canada. So many of the people who made growing up in Little Canada in the late 40’s, 50’s and early 69’s so special have passed, It is so sad to realize that generation is almost gone. Bless you Mary and rest in peace.
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