GILFORD, N.H. – Bessie Mills LaForge, 92, passed away peacefully May 16, 2012, surrounded by loving family at home. Bessie was born Oct. 24, 1919, in Thoroughfare, Random Island, Newfoundland, Canada, daughter of Philip and Hattie Mills.
Bessie was proud of her Newfoundland heritage. She came to the U.S. in 1944 and worked as a teacher in Chester. She raised her children and worked at Fleet Bank, Lincoln, until her retirement in 1982. Bessie was an avid painter, basket weaver, knitter, gardener. In addition to visiting family, she also enjoyed art, reading books, cooking, baking and the ocean. Bessie loved dogs.
Bessie was the widow of Thad B. Bowker of Lincoln. She was also predeceased by siblings, Daphne Mills, Signe Greene and Oliver Mills. Bessie is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Carl E. LaForge of Gilford, N.H.; sister, Rosalie Duffitt and husband, Gerry, of Harcourt, Newfoundland, Canada; son, Dr. Robert M. Bowker and wife, Dr. Barbara Gideon, of Charlotte, Mich.; daughter, Signe M. Bowker of Gilford, N.H.; grandchildren, Dr. Wendy Libby and husband, Dr. Steven Ades, of Vermont, Brady Libby of New Hampshire, Megan McElroy and husband, Garth, of Maine, and Christopher Bowker of Oregon; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Tessa, Norah Ades, Meryk and Brock Libby; stepchildren, Paul LaForge and wife, Marie, Lynn Berryman and husband, Dickie, and Jeanne LaForge; many stepgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bessie will be deeply missed by her family.
A private graveside ceremony and memorial life celebration will take place at a later date in Lincoln. Donations can be made in her name to Central NH VNA & Hospice, Laconia, N.H; or NH Humane Society, Laconia, N.H.