Florence Simoneau

Florence G. Simoneau, 89, of Boscawen, NH, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the Merrimack County Nursing Home surrounded by family. Born in Laconia, NH, she was the daughter of the late Maurice and Rosilda (Savard) Gilbert.

Born the seventh of nine children, Florence grew up in a different time. Where words meant less and actions meant more. She was a proud graduate of St. John’s High school. She would reminisce about how her parents thought she kept on those thick black stockings, a part of her uniform, but her classmates knew different. As you can see, Florence was a bit of a spitfire.

She went on to live a full and vibrant life rooted in faith, family and creativity. She was the devoted wife of Richard J. Simoneau. For forty-five years they shared a life of love and service. They were long time members of CenterPoint church in Concord. Loving on others and sharing the love of Jesus with everyone they met was at the core of who they were.

Growing up in a different time meant that Florence was not stranger to hardship. She wasn’t afraid of hard work. This characteristic and her giftedness in design served her well in the twenty-nine years she owned and operated Simoneau Interiors. It was no secret to those that knew her that she loved the challenge of the first arm of a chair she was upholstering, but that second one; not so much. Being born in the depression, Florence knew the value of quality. And every customer she served benefited from that lesson.

As we grow older most people slow down, but not Florence. When the economy necessitated that her husband retires early, he chose to volunteer at Camp Good New in Charlestown, NH. Florence Ran her business during the week. Then made the trip from Penacook to visit her beloved every weekend. She later “retired” and served there with him for nine more years until he passed away.

Florence lived for another twenty-four years after losing the love of her life. Twenty-one of those years she enjoyed gardening, cooking and sewing. At the holiday her cookies were legendary and the amount she made standing at the counter in her in-law apartment in Penacook was impressive. The last three years of her life she spent at Merrimack County Nursing Home. In her time there she loved on others well which earned her the distinction of being nominated for their Citizen of the Year award at the time of her death.

Florence is lovingly remembered by her children: Daniel Simoneau and his wife Valarie, Jeffrey Simoneau and his wife Debbie, Scott Simoneau and his wife Sue, and Karolee Boulton and her husband Joe. She was a proud grandmother to Ashlee Roney and her husband Matt, Lindsey Roll, Michael Avard, Kelsey Spicer, and her husband Nick, Shelby Simoneau, Megan McGrath and her husband Bill, Ryan Simoneau, Kristen Olson and her husband Jacob, and Andrew Simoneau. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Anthony Poulios, Alena Poulios, Jake Roney, Rene Roney, Lilyanna Roney, Jayden Roll, Peoni Roll, Ajla Avard, Nova Spicer, Aurelia Spicer, Emma McGrath and Bryce McGrath.

Florence was survived by her sister Irene Bourbeau. She was predeceased by her parents Maurice and Rosilda Gilbert, her husband Richard Simoneau, her brothers Arthur Gilbert, Rene Gilbert, Norman Gilbert, Delphis Gilbert, Edward Gilbert; and her sisters Rita Soucy and Cecile Soucy.

Florence’s warmth, kindness and unwavering faith touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service will be held Saturday May 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. at CenterPoint Church, 20 N. State St. Concord, NH. Florence will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery in a private family ceremony at a later date. Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with the arrangements. Contributions to her memory can be made to Merrimack County Nursing Home C/O The Edna McKenna Fund 3-South, 325 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, please visit https://phaneuf.net/.