Gilford, NH – Doris L. (Beland) Bechard, 85, of Gilford, NH, died Tuesday September 26, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family following a period of declining health.
She was the beloved wife of the late Raymond J. Bechard with whom she shared 53 years of marriage until his passing in 2009.
Born in Lowell, on October 21, 1937, she was the daughter of the late William and Yvonne (Goyette) Beland.
She received her education in Lowell schools. Prior to her retirement, she was employed at Honeywell as well as various manufacturing facilities.
For more than 58 years, Doris was a resident of Lake Shore Park in Gilford, NH. She and her husband were original charter members of LSP. After retirement, they spent the winter months at Long Bayou in St. Petersburg, Florida. Doris was never happier than when playing cards or board games with family and friends. She especially enjoyed trips to the casino.
Above all she loved being “Memere” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her devotion to her family was endless.
Doris was a devout Catholic and had an overwhelming love for children. She spent her life supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Survivors include three daughters, Victoria Ledoux of Dracut, MA, Gloria Leccese of Belmont, NH, Karen Potter and her husband Edwin of Gilford, NH; her grandchildren, Gerard and Samantha Ledoux, Andria Ledoux, Tanaya Ledoux, Thomas Leccese and his significant other Aprille Shea, Krista and Anthony Hobson, Anthony Leccese, Justin Potter, Melissa Turcotte; great-grandchildren, Gianna, Jayla, Savannah and Arya Ledoux, Makayla Hobson and soon to be sister Olivia, Logan and Lennox Potter, Owen Shea; siblings Robert and Rosemarie Beland of the The Villages, FL, Leo and Denise Belend of Gilford, NH, Gloria and Roger Labreque of Windham, NH, William and Janet Beland of Gilford, NH; sister-in-law Irene Pendergast; extended family, Thomas and Terri Leccese as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded by her sister Irene (Beland) Langlois and brother-in-law Arthur Langlois; sisters-in-law Lorraine (Morin) Beland and Shirley (Bechard) St. Armand; grandson Edwin Potter Jr.
BECHARD – Relatives and friends may call at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell from 4 until 7 on Thursday October 5, 2023. Her Funeral Mass with be celebrated on Friday at 10 AM at St. Kathryn Parish, 4 Dracut Rd, Hudson, NH. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her name at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now For directions or condolences please visit. www.mckennaouellette.com
