Louis LaJeunesse

Louis LaJeunesse of Derry passed away on Friday December 25 at Pleasant Valley Nursing Home in Derry after a period of failing health. He was a proud veteran having served his country for 20 years in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1971. His service brought him and his family to many places including Florida, Maine, Texas, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. He also served in Tahkli, Thailand from 1970 to 1971. He was the recipiant of the Air Force Commendation Medal. Louis was a life member of many Veterans organizations. He was the past Commander of VFW post 8214 in Manchester. Louis was a deeply religious man who passionately embraced his Catholic faith. His love of God gave him great comfort throughout his life especially in his final days. In 1968 while serving in Izmir, Turkey, he was a member of the Honor Guard that protected Pope Paul VI during his historic visit. He spoke of that honor often and it gave him great joy to tell his story. He also cherished his many visits to the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Turkey, especially the city of Ephesus. Near Ephesus, high on a mountain was his favorite place, the House of Mary, the place where the Blessed Virgin lived her final days. He is predeceased by his wife Lucille (Pellerin) in 1998 and his second wife Beatrice who passed away in 2008. He is survived by a daughter Denise Godbois of Milford, a daughter JoAnn Benard and her husband Charles of Hillsboro a son Robert and his wife Nancy of Concord and a son Dennis of Manchester. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, and his sister Monique Gamache of Hudson. In lieu of flowers, please offer a donation to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans.