Stringer Funeral Homes Inc. & Crematorium

Cornish NH: Mary Decatur passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 2, 2026.
Born July 17, 1942, in Shelocta PA, to Edward and Edith Ray she graduated high school in Indiana PA and moved to Baltimore MD where she met her husband Clarence “Pete” Decatur. They were married in 1959 and stationed at the Coast Guard lighthouse in Booth Bay Harbor, ME until his service for the Coast Guard ended. They moved to Kingston, NH where she was employed at Phillips Exeter Academy. They settled in Cornish in 1968 where she worked for North Country Door. She also volunteered for the Cornish Fire Dept, Rescue Squad, Elementary School and Library. She enjoyed gardening and spending time at camp with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters Christine Ferland and her husband René, Rebecca Jankowski and her husband Craig, her five grandchildren, Peter & Katie Ferland and Owen, Sara & Molly Jankowski, her sister Kathleen Wolfe of Girty PA and many nieces & nephews.
She was preceded by her parents and her siblings Robert & Edward Ray & Linda Scott and her beloved husband “Pete”.
There will be a private burial and a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center North.

Mathew Scott Bouranis, born January 16, 1978, in Bottineau, North Dakota, passed away unexpectedly.

Mathew was the beloved son of Sue and Scott Bouranis and brother to Christopher and Rachel. He was the proud father of two sons, Owen and Nathan, who were the center of his life and was married to their mother Jesse for 21 years.

Mathew spent his working life in the area and was well known for his ability to fix just about anything. He worked in maintenance in Kearsarge School District in New London and spent 10 years as Facilities Manager for the Sunapee School District. Mechanically inclined, wildly artistic and naturally curious, Mathew had a gift for understanding how things worked and figuring out how to make them work again. He was the kind of person people could turn to when something needed fixing.

Outside of work, Mathew had many interests that brought him enjoyment. He was an avid video game enthusiast and a true connoisseur of the gaming world. He also enjoyed music, painting and drawing, and was an avid reader. We think he had a hardcover edition of every Stephen King novel.

Mathew will be remembered for his intelligence, mechanical ability, curiosity, and the many ways he helped the people around him. Above all, he will be deeply missed by his sons, Owen and Nathan; his parents, Sue and Scott; his brother Christopher and sister Rachel Limoges (Calvin); nieces Mackenzie and Delina, nephew Cooper, and his extended family and friends.

His memory will live on in the people he loved, the things he built and repaired, the music and stories he enjoyed, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

A celebration of life will be held at Monarch Farms, 519 Jarvis Hill Road, Claremont, New Hampshire on October 12, 2026 from 2-5 PM.

In Loving Memory of Sharon Lee (Scarborough) Lounder
May 4, 1949 – October 2, 2026
Sharon Lee (Scarborough) Lounder passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 77 years old.
Sharon was born on May 4,1949, in Brandon, Vermont, to Pearly Scarborough and Norma (Rivers) Scarborough.
On July 16, 1991, Sharon married her husband, Earl Lounder. Together they shared many years of love, family, and memories.
Sharon was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured her family dearly. She especially enjoyed spending time with those she loved and watching her family grow.
A devoted Boston Red Sox fan, Sharon enjoyed cheering on her team. She was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Rutland, Vermont, and loved playing bingo. Sharon had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dogs who brought her much companionship and joy throughout her life.
Sharon will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Earl Lounder; her daughter, Lorretta Simoneau, her husband Ron; her grandchildren, Justina, Alannah, Renne, and AJ; and her great-grandchildren, Aden, Avery, Ella, Addilyn, and Tommy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Gabriella Anne Simoneau, eho passed away in 2018.
There will be no funeral service at this time. A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at a later date, when family and friends can gather together to share memories, stories, and celebrate the life of a woman who was deeply loved.
Sharon will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on through her family, the stories they share, and the love she gave throughout her life.
May she rest peacefully among the angels.

It is with our deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother and matriarch, Betty (Holden) Champney, on October 1st, 2026, the daughter of George and Mable (Bacon) Holden. Betty was born in Athens, VT, on August 7th, 1930. 3rd of five children, she and her family moved to Charlestown, NH, where she attended school and later graduated from Holden High School in Charlestown in 1949. During this period, Betty was introduced to Kennith Champney, and although their connection was immediate, Betty traveled to Tempe, Arizona, to study art. Love, however, would not be denied. Kennith soon left New Hampshire for Arizona to be with his heart’s one desire. They were married in Tempe Arizona, January 12th, 1952. Shortly after their marriage, they returned to New Hampshire to assist family members. Their first child arrived in January 1956, Denise Darleen, their second, Lori Jeanne, in 1959.

Betty was a highly gifted and empathetic woman. She would fry donuts and supply homemade baked beans to the Charlestown Fire Department. She was a Brownie Troop leader, which she enjoyed very much. Her excellence in math led her to be the principal account/bookkeeper for Ken’s Trucking and Welding, her husband’s enterprise.

Betty’s artistry found its way into many aspects of her life. She was a gifted natural artist. Her drawings held a vibrancy that made you feel like they were truly alive. She loved music and played the drums in her school band. She loved singing. When she worked, she sang, and when she sang, she sang with her whole heart.

She was an excellent cook, turning simple ingredients into wonderful meals. She was a skillful and artistic baker. Christmas would find her making date nut candy and zucchini bread for family gifts. For birthdays, she would create beautifully realistic decorated cakes that tasted as good as they looked.

Betty, charitable by nature, was a life long contributor to a variety of humanitarian organizations. She believed it was important to do what you can, when you can, to make the world a better place.

Although a self-described loner, she loved people, books, other people’s pets, and most of all her family.

From the day she was born, Betty Jane Holden was filled with an almost childlike wonder.
Everything fascinated her. She had a deep love of nature. Flowers were her favorite thing, particularly carnations and gladioli, which brought her so much joy. The dining room table always had a vase full of fresh, brightly colored flowers that she would talk about during her meals, making certain that every person who entered the room noticed them and appreciated them as much as she did.

Her heart that was full of love. She loved people. She loved every moment of life, and most of all, she loved Kennith Champney. They met young. They weren't together long when they knew they wanted to share the rest of their lives. They got married. Their love guided them through wars, turbulent history, and a growing nation. They were together for over seventy years. Through good times, and hard times, they stood side by side, hand in hand, through it all. Together, they had a family. A family of blood, and those she chose to call family. She was the glue that held her children, her grandchildren, and many others together. She guided the family through their trials and was always there for advice or comfort.

She was loved by any who met her. Her warmth filled a room and made its way into those with her.
This world will be a little darker without her light in it. Any who knew her, loved her, those loved by her were made better people for having her in their lives. We will cherish all the hugs, the deep love, and the endless stories of her life. She will be missed.

Betty was predeceased by her spouse of 74 years, Kennith F. Champney. sisters Ruth Petipas and her husband John, Alice Merrill and her husband Ted, Amy Kinney and her Husband Henry, nephews Stanley, Danny, and Ronald Merrill, George Clarke, nieces Joy Kinney Carrier, Linda and Connie Clarke.

She is survived by her sister Darlene Hosley, her daughters Denise Partridge, Lori Wike and her husband Doug, her grandchildren Cameron Champney, Ifoma Genevieve Rothblatt and her husband Major Eli Rothblatt, Tyler Champney and wife Amanda, Ody Elesi, Chichi Elesi, and Aramis Manley, as well as an extensive retinue of family and friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 6th at 11am at Pine Crest Cemetery in Charlestown, NH off the Old Claremont Road. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to one’s choice.

It is with deepest sorrow that the family of Marina Limoges, of Claremont, NH announces her peaceful passing on Monday, August 24th at Valley Regional Hospital, with her family close to her.
She was born to Fotios Lazaropoulous, and Maria Tsigri on July 16th 1938, in Athens, Greece.
She was an incredibly strong woman, having survived the N**i occupation of Greece during World War II. Her father was a general in the Greek Royal Air Force, and was away during the war, commanding an air base in Libya, fighting the Axis powers, so she, and her family didn’t have their father around to be of comfort during the war.
She was, as we are, very proud of her academic accomplishments, earning a BA in psychology through Keene State Collage, a master’s degree at Antioch College, along with course work at Plymouth State College, Rivier College, and held a State of New Hampshire Experienced Educator Certificate.
It should be noted that she accomplished all of this while raising 3 children, and taking care of her household.
Marina worked as a circulation, and research librarian for the Claremont Fiske Free Library, guidance counselor for the Claremont school system, Fall Mountain Regional School, and also worked at West Central Services as assistant team leader.
Her course work included chemical dependency, family therapy, child psychology, conflict resolution, and psychology of negotiations.
She was committed to helping others, and gave two years of volunteer work in mental health clinics, and two years of volunteer work with developmentally disabled children.
Marina enjoyed fashion, travel, and with her husband Donald, had been to most of the United States, Canada, and several European countries.
She most of all loved going back to Greece often, with her children, and grandchildren. They traveled all over Greece, going island hopping, enjoying the beaches, and delicious fresh Greek foods, and especially visiting with her Greek family.
In addition to traveling, Marina enjoyed skiing, golf, back yard barbeques, hosting some impressive parties, which included legendary Greek goat roasts.
Marina was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don Limoges, Her sister, Pola Kalimeris, brother-in-law, Dimitri Kalimeris, Her mother, Maria Tsigri, and her father Fotios Lazarapoulos, Sister-in-law, Pauline, brothers in law, Norman, Richard, Raymond Limoges, and Galen Veayo.
She is survived by her children, Bill Limoges, and his wife, Emma, of Claremont, Deborah Limoges, of Dover, NH, and Greg Limoges, and his wife, Sherri, of Pawley’s Island, SC, and Amy Limoges, of Manchester, NH, her cousin, Lenna Bacon, and her husband, Donald, of Marion, Massachusetts, dear niece Ada Kalimeris, and her husband Nikos Mihail, of Drosia, Greece, dear nephew Johhny Kalimeris, grand-nephew Dimitris Michail, and wife Fenia, and their son, Nicholas of Greece, grand-niece Elisabeth Mihail, and her sisters in law, Marie Limoges, (Norman) of Leicester, Mass, and Mary Limoges (Raymond) of Louden, NH
Her grandchildren are Jennifer, Brian, and Marina (Bill), Cara, and Hailey Limoges (Greg), and great-grandchildren, Toby Jr., Tyler, Lionel, Madison, Christopher, Liam, and CeCe.
She also had several nieces, and nephews, both here in the states, and in Greece.
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Talbot, and their staff at Valley Regional Hospital for the exceptional care given to her, and the kindness, and communication to her family.
Visiting hours will be on October 9th, from 4-6 pm at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH, and will include our dad, Donald Limoges, as he wanted to wait until Marina had hers. They will be together again one last time before spending eternity together.
In lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations be made to Sullivan County Humane Society, or St Jude’s Children’s hospital.
We are endlessly grateful of how caring and unselfish she was, putting the needs of raising an extended family when they needed her most, while setting aside her and Don's personal plans... she wouldn't have it any other way, family first always!
Mom, and dad, we will always love you, and miss you – we couldn’t have been blessed with better parents than you. Until we meet again, you will always live in our hearts.

Joanne Marie Peoples
July 11, 1947 - September 23, 2026
Joanne Marie Peoples passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026 surrounded by her loving family, almost a year to the day after the passing of her husband, Bill Peoples, with whom she built a wonderful life. Married on May 25, 1980, Joanne and Bill spent their 45 years together traveling near and far. From the faraway islands to Hampton Beach, they created cherished memories with their children and grandchildren, building a family on a foundation of grace and love. Joanne’s grace and love were most abundant and apparent in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Joanne’s career included 7 years at Claremont Savings Bank and many after that at Whalen Industries, where she cherished many new friendships and took pride in the work she did. When she wasn’t with her family or at work, Joanne spent her time keeping a meticulous flower garden and working in her yard.
Joanne is survived by her children, Koreen (Jake), Kenneth (Rosie), and James; her sister, Wendy; her grandchildren, Brooke, Ashley, Ryan, Molly, Zachary, and Haley; and several great grandchildren. The foundation of love and grace built by such a wonderful woman will be carried on for generations to come.
Visiting hours will be Saturday, October 24th at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 broad Street in Claremont, NH from 1 to 2pm with a funeral service at 2pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Elk’s Lodge in Claremont.

Cheryl Helen (Rich) Bailey passed away peacefully in her home in Charlestown, NH on September 26, 2026.
Cheryl was born on March 11, 1950 to Stephen Rich and Helen (Odell) Rich in Worcester, MA.
She graduated from Longmeadow High School in Long Meadow, MA. Cheryl attended North Hampton Junior College in North Hampton, MA and Keene State College in Keene, NH.
Cheryl devoted 20 years, working as a drug and alcohol counselor at Seminole Point Hospital in Sunapee, NH. Afterwards, she worked in payroll at Whelen Engineering until she retired in 2012.
Cheryl loved the holidays! On Halloween, she was the trick-or-treater counter, usually having around 150 kids, but never running out of candy! She loved dressing up for Halloween as well and always changed out her decorations, based on the season and holiday of the time. These times brought her together with her family and extended family, which was one of her favorite ways to spend her time. She loved Fall and all the activities that would entail, leaf peeping, and apple picking with her loved ones. She also loved LOVE, becoming a Justice of the Peace later in life in order to marry couples that she knew, many of whom worked with her at Whelen. She enjoyed helping out in political offices, but never pushed her politics on family and friends, not even her husband! She was an avid reader and loved the ocean, reminding her of her time in the Cape and the mischievous adventures with her sister, Deb! Those adventures would ultimately include the introduction to the love of her life Robert.
Cheryl is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Bailey, and his ever expanding family. She leaves behind three sons and their spouses: Stephen (Amy) Bailey of Walpole, NH, Gabriel (Rebecca) Bailey of Charlestown, NH and Charles (Jennifer) Bailey of Mesa, Arizona. Grandchildren (and there are many!) include Kaitlan, Kelsey, River, Alexus, Isaac (Cheyanne), Hunter, Aidan, Jordan, Ava, Brady, Beckett, Maeve, Madden, and Sage and great grandchild, Logan. She also leaves behind her sister, Deb (John) Williams and nephews and niece: Scott, Casey & Courtney.
Visiting hours for Cheryl will take place at the Charlestown Memorial Chapel on Main Street in Charlestown, NH on Friday, October 2nd from 4 - 6 pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held the following day, Saturday, October 3rd, from 2 - 5 pm at Trapshire, located at 1434 Bellows Falls Road, Charlestown, NH.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to Janie’s Fund, as Cheryl was a fan of Stephen Tyler and has the pictures to prove it! Donations can be made at

Home - Janies Fund Janie's Fund supports the LifeSet program, which provides critical support during this often-times treacherous transition, ensuring they receive the resources and intensive guidance needed to reach their full potential.

Beverly Ann Janelle passed away on Sunday, September 20 at the age of 91.

She was born in Cuyahoga, Ohio in the middle of the Great Depression to James and Annette Hanks and grew up in the Cleveland area prior to moving to Claremont with her mother where she attended Stevens High School. After graduating from Stevens in 1953, she attended the University of New Hampshire and then returned to Claremont to take a job as a dental assistant. She married Tim DeVoyd in 1958 and became mom to her 3 beloved sons, Jeffrey, Stephen, and Thomas DeVoyd. After Tom entered first grade, she began working as an administrative assistant to the Vocational Director at Stevens High School then later at the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center. She worked in the school system for over 45 years, where she loved meeting the students and working with the faculty. That job allowed her to do two of her favorite things: observing and connecting with people.

Once the family purchased a small camper they vacationed regularly in Maine, Cape Cod, and Lake George as well as many other destinations up and down the Northeast US. Her love of travel wasn’t limited to camping. She also traveled by bus, train, and car to places like New York and Washington, DC. She enjoyed going everywhere but especially enjoyed visiting the Maine coast for its scenery and shows at the Ogunquit Playhouse.

She and Raymond Janelle married in 1984 in Claremont where they lived together until his passing in 2020.

All through her life she was highly active in 2 local organizations, The Stevens Alumni Association and Saint Joseph’s church. She held several official positions in the Alumni Association over the years and loved both watching and riding in the annual parade.

In her spare time Beverly loved knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and sewing. She not only mended clothes but also made clothes for herself and her family and throw pillows for all. Her family enjoyed receiving mittens, scarves, and winter hats hand knit especially for them.

Beverly was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Janelle, her mother, Annette Hanks, her father, James Hanks, her brother, Jim Hanks, and her first husband, Tim DeVoyd.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey, Stephen, and Thomas DeVoyd, Jeffrey’s partner, Michelle, Tom’s partner Phil, her sister-in-law Yvette, her niece Tracey, and the many in the area with whom she crossed paths over her long life.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Tuesday, September 29th at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont. Her funeral service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, September 30th at St Joseph's church in Claremont. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at St Joseph's following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Stevens Alumni Association, PO Box 710, Claremont, NH, 03743.

Andrew (Ollie) Rea 2/3/1946- 9/21/2026
Andy of Ascutney, VT passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 21, 2026 after months long courageous battle with Mesothelioma. Below is his obituary as written by him.
If you are reading this obituary, I must have passed away!!
I was born in Wi******er, MA on February 3, 1946.
I am the fourth son of Herbert and Rosamond Rea of Brookfield, VT. Since have passed on. I lived a lot of my childhood in the Orient. I attended the Brookfield school’s and then graduated from Northfield High School, the class of 1965. After school, I entered the US Navy, where I was a Radioman 3rd Class. I went to Vietnam twice while aboard the USS Intrepid CVS-11, which I fought in three campaigns. After giving four years of my life to my country, I came back to Vermont and became an electrician.
In 1969, I married Carlene Eurbin of Northfield, Vermont. We have four children. Jennifer Rea Amell (Gary)of Claremont, NH. Matthew Eurbin Rea (Nicole) of Hill, NH. Kevin Mudgett Rea of Weathersfield, VT and Catherine Rea Royce (Craig) of Claremont, NH. Grandchildren, Joshua VanHise, Ashlee Little, Emily, Molly and Marin Rea, Andrew and Hanna Royce and Remy Rea. Great Grandchildren Ella VanHise, Ace, Miles and Levi Little, Amelia Rea, Tucker and Liam Royce.
My brothers David, John and Peter left before me. I have many nephews and nieces. I belong to Post 25 of the American Legion in Windsor, Vermont and was a member of the Moose Club Lodge 1201 of Claremont, NH. I was a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), the Green Mountain Chapter.
While on this earth I worked as an electrician most of my life, working for many Electrical Contractors. You guys know who you are and I enjoyed every working hour for you and with you! I also worked in electrical sales for CED Twin State, Vermont Fire Alarm Distributors of Vermont, JG Temple Electric Supply and Granite City Electrical Supply. I ended my working days as an Electrical Inspector for the State of Vermont. I want everyone to Celebrate my Life! So after the services, I would like my family and friends to PARTY!!
Now! That’s all said and done, to all my Family and Friends. I enjoyed my LIFE and I hope that you enjoyed me in yours. So! Please enjoy the rest of yours and I hope you have as a good time here as I did!
Andy will be buried at Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph, VT on October 1, 2026 at 11am. A celebration of life will be at the American Legion in Windsor, VT on October 10, 2026 1-4pm. Cremation arraignments are under the care of Stringer Funeral Home, Claremont, NH.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in his name to the American Legion Post 25, Friends of Veterans (fovvtnh.org) or a cause of your choice.

Linda J. Berry, 70, of Claremont, New Hampshire, passed away at her home on September 4, 2026, after nearly a year under hospice care. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends for all the joy and light she brought into their lives.
Linda was raised in Windsor, Vermont, before making her way to Claremont in the 1970s — a move that would define the rest of her life. For 31 years, she served as a paraprofessional in the Claremont school system, quietly shaping generations of students with patience, humor, and an unshakable belief in second (and third, and fourth) chances.
Outside of school hours, Linda kept a simple but devoted set of priorities: a good cup of coffee — preferably from Dunkin', and preferably in hand at all times — a phone charged and ready for the next round of Candy Crush, and the company of her animals. Her cats, Smokey and Scout, and her dog, Cesear, were faithful companions. She also had a lifelong fondness for owls, and it was hard to visit her home without spotting one perched somewhere — whether on a shelf, a mug, or a throw. She was also a devoted Shinedown fan, and some of her favorite memories were made at their concerts alongside her boyfriend, Brad— proof that a great road trip and a good rock anthem never go out of style. She also enjoyed many motorcycle rides on the back of Brad's bike. She was also a dedicated fan of The Walking Dead, with a particular soft spot for Norman Reedus' character — Daryl Dixon.
Linda is survived by her longtime partner, Brad Adams, and his daughters, Brittany and Melissa, and his grandsons, Thomas and Gabriel; her second husband, Charles Williams, and their son, Jarren Berry and his wife, Sarah, and their children, Jazzlyne, Adaleena, Camden, and Malcolm; Linda’s grandchildren, Jason and Brittney Seaver, and Ethan Martin; her great-grandson, Bryson; and her nieces, Charlene and LouAnne, and her closest friends De, Darlene, and Sandra Haines.
Linda was predeceased by her parents, John and Ethel Pauline; her sister, Ann; her brother, James, who died in infancy; her daughter, Sonia; and her beloved cats, Shadow and Dakota, as well as two Golden retrievers, Aja and Bella, her longtime best friend Cindi; and her ex-husband, Brian.
Linda's life was one of quiet devotion — to her students, to her family, and to the small daily joys that made the ordinary feel a little sweeter. She will be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor, and her gift for making people feel at home.
The family would also like to thank Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice for all the care and kindness they showed to Linda.
A memorial service will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont on Saturday, the 26th at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sullivan County Humane Society ( https://sullivancountyhumanesociety.org for donation information).