Rhonda L. Wallace, 53

LACONIA — Rhonda Lee Wallace, 53, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, on Nov. 11, 2024, after succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease.

Rhonda was born on Feb. 24, 1971, in Laconia, the beloved daughter of Bradley Wallace Jr., and Linda (Wright) Wallace. She filled their lives with joy. They recognized the gift and honor it was to be the parents of this extraordinary person. Rhonda’s Down syndrome was only part of who she was, but it was an important part. While many saw her limitations, her parents focused instead on the limitless nature of her love and reveled in the way she lived her life. She saw the good in everyone, she never stayed mad for long, she was incredibly content, and she enjoyed the simple things. While they held on to the active parenting role longer than most, it was something that brought happiness and purpose to their lives. They were always thankful to God for entrusting Rhonda to their care.

Rhonda was a kind-hearted and caring person. She was very friendly and affectionate. She was always passing out hugs and putting smiles on people’s faces. While she was incredibly sweet, she was equally feisty and stubborn. When she had her mind made up there was little one could do to talk her out of it. Rhonda was funny. Really funny. Her witty comebacks and sharp sense of humor had everyone laughing. This stayed true even through her years with Alzheimer’s. Rhonda was a fantastic sister. She was an amazing role model and example of how to treat others. Rhonda was a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews. They adored her and all wanted to spend time with her and listen to her funny sayings and were happy to be bossed around by the “Boss Lady” and to be the audience to her frequent dance performances. After all, she claimed the title of being the “Best Dancer in the Family.” She had other nicknames as well and proudly told everyone that she was “Gramp’s Girl,” Grammy’s “Georgia Peach,” the “Oldest Sibling,” the “Oldest Grandchild,” and “TV Girl.” She also was fond of making ceramics for all the relatives, creating latch hook rugs, jewelry making, playing cards and board games, singing karaoke, remembering birthdays, and doing her word search puzzles.

Rhonda attended Laconia High School and was an active member of the community for most of her life. She participated in the Special Olympics where she won many medals for swimming, shot put and various track & field events. She was on the Down Syndrome Team, participated in the Cooking Club, and a frequent member to the Wellness Center. She lived with roommates or by herself for over 20 years and deeply valued her independence. Rhonda held many volunteer jobs throughout her life. She especially enjoyed volunteering at Evangelical Baptist Church, Lakes Region General Hospital, the Red Cross and the Gilford library. She also held several jobs, including Madeira and The Green Tangerine.

Rhonda is survived by her mother Linda Wallace, brother Bradley Wallace IV and his wife Lisa, sister Rebecca Hussey and her husband Rick, uncles Andy Cisinski, Ralph Newton and Robert Wright, aunts Patricia LeBlanc, Marsha Newton, Elaine King, Patricia Downes and Carol Welch, nieces Kate Hussey and Grace Wallace, and nephews Ricky Hussey IV, Bradley Wallace V, Tyler Hussey and Luke Hussey, and many cousins. Rhonda is predeceased by her father Bradley Wallace Jr., and grandparents, Percy Wright, Germaine Pratte and Yvon Pratte, and Brad Wallace and Barbara Wallace, and aunt, Kathleen Cisinski.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Living Hope Lakeport, 50 Washington St.

Burial will follow at Bayside Cemetery, Union Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakes Region VNA, 186 Waukewan St., Meredith, NH 03253. The family is so thankful to the amazing caregivers who took such exceptional care of Rhonda in her last months.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.