Bernice M. Houle

COLEBROOK, NH — Bernice M. Houle, 87, of Colebrook, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook, surrounded by her loving family, and after a long period of declining health. She was born on May 21, 1927, in Guildhall, Vt., the daughter of the late Frederick and Elsie (Dearborn) Patnaude. She attended school in North Stratford In addition to raising her family, Bernice was a factory and mill laborer in the area. She worked for many years at Washburn Lumber in North Stratford, and later in Colebrook at Manchester Manufacturing, Inc. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and could frequently be found cheering them on at school sporting events. Bernice loved to fish and play Bingo, and she also enjoyed trips to go shopping. She is survived by six daughters, Linda Hewson of Colebrook, Irene Scott of North Stratford, Lorraine Barnes of Island Pond, Vt., Patricia (Walter) Chapple of Columbia, Roberta (Tom) Purtell of Boothbay, Me., and Arlene (Conrad) Chapple of Columbia; a sister, Patricia Riley of Bloomfield; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Israel Houle in 1979; five brothers, William Patnaude, Roland Patnaude, Raymond Patnaude, Joseph Patnaude and Carroll Patnaude; three sisters, Pauline Bedard, Alice Smith and Dorothy Patnaude as an infant; and a grandson, William Gaudette, Jr. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in North Stratford on Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Craig Cheney as celebrant. Burial will immediately follow at the Fairview Cemetery in North Stratford. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Houle may be made to Alzheimer’s Healthcare Services, 610 Sullivan St., Berlin, NH 03570. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Bernice M. Houle

May 21, 1927 - July 20, 2014