Laurel A. Hemon

CLARKSVILLE – Laurel A. Hemon, 51, of Clarksville, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday afternoon, April 11, 2025, with her husband by her side and after a years-long courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Colebrook on Feb. 7, 1974, the only daughter to Kevin and Jane (Hann) McKinnon. She learned medical resiliency at an early age, battling scoliosis. She grew up on South Hill in Colebrook with her two brothers, playing in the sandbox, the woods, and the brook. Her grandparents lived in the same home which was the best of both worlds, with numerous cousins visiting, all of whom became life-long friends. Laurel attended school in Colebrook and was a 1992 graduate of Colebrook Academy. After high school, she attended Keene State College and earned her bachelor degree and teacher certification in elementary education in 1996. From the time she was a little girl, Laurel knew that she wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. Upon returning home after college, Laurel began working at the First Step Daycare, teaching pre-school and kindergarten and where she made life-long friends. Teaching was truly her passion. In 2002, she began working at the Stewartstown Community School, quickly becoming part of the SCS family and where she worked for the next 23 years, touching the lives of hundreds of students and their families. She loved shaping the minds and hearts of her students and serving as an inspiration to her colleagues. Her warm smile and positive attitude were contagious, and she was always sharing her creativity with those around her. Helping little people start their journeys through life brought smiles to her face and filled her heart with joy. They filled her cup which she let spill out around her. She was a member of the Canaan Border Lions Club and served as secretary/treasurer for ten years. Laurel was an avid reader from an early age as well, and she always had her nose in a book, whether a series of multiple books, a 1,000-page tome, or a “trashy novel.” She was a talented crafter who loved antiques, and her skill in her enchanted gardens was remarkable. She was a kid who never grew up who will be missed dearly by her family, her students and her fellow teachers. Laurel leaves behind her beloved husband of 25 years, Charles of Clarksville; her parents, Kevin and Jane McKinnon of Colebrook; her two brothers, Brett (Tracey) McKinnon of Colebrook, and Eric (Nicole) McKinnon of Bowdoinham, Me. At Laurel’s specific request, there are no public calling hours. A “Celebration of Laurel’s Life” will be held on a later date of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Laurel may be made to the Two Rivers Relief for Cancer, P.O. Box 376, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Laurel A. Hemon

February 7, 1974 - April 11, 2025