Patricia Brunt, 82

Patricia Brunt, 82

MEREDITH — Patricia (MacDonald) Brunt, of Meredith, passed away on June 26, 2017, after a courageous struggle with failing health for the last few years.

She was born in Sandwich, on April 26, 1935, the daughter of Ernest Sr. and Ethel Diack MacDonald.

Pat attended the Quimby School in Sandwich and Empire Beauty School in Laconia.

Pat owned and operated her own hairdressing business, La Boutique, for several years, first on Main Street in Meredith, then from her home on Route 104 in Meredith. To her many regular customers she was valued not only for her hairdressing talents, but for her lively and fun-loving nature. Her shop was always abuzz with conversation, laughter, and kindness. She later worked for the state Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics as an inspector until her retirement.

Patricia was an avid reader and traveler. She and her husband, Wayne, traveled extensively in their 5th wheel motor home throughout the United States. She was eager to learn specific details about the areas they visited and was always ready for the next adventure. Pat and Wayne wintered in Barefoot Bay, Florida, for the last 30 years, where she made many friends and shared her love of cooking and conversation.

Patricia was a member of the First Baptist Church, both in Meredith and Barefoot Bay. Her nature was one of generosity and thoughtfulness. She had an innate sense of caring and gave freely of her time to those who were having difficulties, or often for no other reason than to let someone know she was thinking of them.

Pat loved to spend time with her family. She had a great affection for babies and children, delighting in their every move and comment. Her laughter was engaging and she could certainly turn a difficult time into one of joy. She always had a story to tell, yet she was an intent listener. She gave importance to others by truly listening to whatever one was sharing with her, and remembering the details long afterward.

Pat leaves her husband of 53 years, Wayne Brunt; her sons, Brian (Donna) Hurd of Loveland, Ohio, and Christopher (Laura) Hurd of Waterford, Connecticut; and her daughter Lisa (Richard) Shewbridge of Bealeton, Virginia. She was the grandmother of Ashton Hurd and Caitlin Hurd, both of Waterford, Connecticut, Amy Thompson of Blanchester, Ohio, Meagan (Justin) Carroll of Versailles, Kentucky, W. Bryan Shewbridge of Fort Irwin, California, and Eric (Cassie) Shewbridge of Waterford, Connecticut. She was the delighted great-grandmother of five. Siblings include Clyde MacDonald, RoseMarie Bastraw, Jan Stahl, all of Laconia, and Yvonne Bristol of North Haverhill; many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her most recent Cairn Terrier puppy, Gillian, and was predeceased by many other beloved pets. Pat will be greatly missed by all of her family.

Patricia’s wish was to have her ashes scattered in the mountains of New Hampshire. A memorial gathering will be held later in July for her family and close friends.

Donations may be made in her name to the New Hampshire Humane Society, 1305 Meredith Center Road, Laconia, NH 03246.