Arlene L. Ackerson

Arlene L. Ackerson, 88, of Bedford, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 8, 2023. She is the loving wife of the late Robert F. Ackerson with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage.

Arlene was born on September 12, 1935 in Manchester to the late Robert and Harriet (Fairhurst) Fonteyn and attended Manchester West High School. She married the love of her life, Robert Ackerson, on September 22, 1956 and together they started a family in Bedford.

Arlene was a natural born caretaker, and was able to stay at home with her family while her children were growing up. During that time and throughout her life she loved art and painting, eventually becoming proficient with refinishing and stenciling antique furniture for local antique stores. In her later years she was very proud to become the Head of Technical Services at the Bedford Library. Arlene was an active member of St. Raphael’s Parish, volunteering as a member of the bereavement team, the food pantry, and Eucharistic ministry. Among many things, she will always be remembered for loving Rye Beach trips with her best friend, Pat.

Arlene is survived by her three children, Sandra Ackerson and her husband Michael Clougherty of Goffstown, Peter Ackerson and his wife Christiane of Bedford, and John Ackerson and his wife Janeen of Bedford; her four grandchildren, Kristen Wencis and her husband Michael, Jonathan Ackerson and his wife Melissa, Gregory Goupil and his wife Lisa, and Lauren Olson and her husband Richard; her six beloved great grandchildren; two nieces and two nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Robert F. Ackerson, parents, and brother Robert T. Fonteyn.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at St. Teresa Rehab and Nursing Center for their care and kindness over the past 4 years, and for treating their mother with dignity and respect.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 14^th from 4-6pm at The Phaneuf Funeral Home & Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue in Manchester. A funeral service will follow at 6pm in the funeral home. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations in Arlene’s memory be made to St. Teresa Rehab and Nursing Center, 519 Bridge St., Manchester NH 03104