Paulene R. Price, 92, of Gilmanton Iron Works, NH passed away on June 21, 2015 at her home on the farm with her family by her side. She was surrounded by love, laughter, tears and gratitude. Paulene was born on January 13, 1923 in Haverhill, MA, the daughter of Ernest and Paulene Richards. The family moved to Alton, NH where she attended school, made friends and childhood memories. In 1938, at the age of 15, Paulene fell in love, married, and moved to the Price Farm in Gilmanton Iron Works, where she resided for the past 77 years.
If you asked Paulene about herself her reply would be "I'm just a farmer's wife". For those of us who knew her she was so much more than that. She exuded endless energy, generosity, dedication and love. She was quick with her wit and often giving us a good laugh.
At the age of 14 she worked as downhill ski guide at The Halfway House in Alton, NH. At 15 she became a wife, mother, farmer and caregiver. Paulene took pride in her family, her home and did an amazing job keeping up with the endless tasks of life on the farm. While raising 6 children she learned life on the farm and helped wherever the need; whether it was milking the cows, stacking hay, gathering eggs, bottle feeding a new born calf, gathering sap, planting new crops, canning vegetables from the garden, or cutting up firewood. She also started her own small business selling her homemade baked beans and sugar cakes to the summer residents around Crystal Lake. She was active in the community. She was member of the Ladies Aid, Garden Club, Gilmanton Gals, and 4-H. For many years she volunteered at the Fireman's Labor Day Carnival, serving ice cream at the Memorial Day parades and preparing strawberry shortcake at the 4th of July parades. She volunteered at Old Home Day preparing and serving food as well as dinners to voters during town elections. She was librarian for the Gilmanton Library. She was an active member of the Gilmanton Community Church for over 75 years and is known as one of the "church pillars." She started the "infamous" Christmas Tea raising money to support the church. And yes, she was also a farmer's wife.
Paulene enjoyed camping with her husband, traveling to many places around the country. She also enjoyed snowmobiling, gardening, a good book, spending time at the cottage on Crystal Lake or visiting with relatives at Rye Beach. Her most treasured joy was keeping her family connected, thru countless family gatherings, phone calls, cards, handwritten letters, endless love and support.
Paulene is survived by her 6 children, Natalie Jean Locke and her husband James Locke of GIW, William Price and his wife Terry Price of GIW, Mary Waterman and her husband William Waterman of SC, Charles Price and his wife Marie Price of Alton, NH, Pauline Downing and her husband Gregory Downing of GIW, and son Richard Price and his wife Pamela Price of GIW, NH. She was also the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Paulene was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Amos Richard Price (whom she has missed every day since his passing in 2005), a twin brother, Paul Richards, a brother Ernest Richards and sister Marjorie Richards. She was also sadly predeceased by a daughter in-law, Ena May Price, a grandson, Jason Paul Downing, and a great-grandson Kevin Price Jr.
Services will be held Saturday June 27th, 2015 at 11:00am at the Gilmanton Community Church, Route 140, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH.
If desired, donations may be made in Paulene's memory to the Gilmanton Community Church.