Colette Ayer

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Merrimack – Colette Ayer, 71, of Turkey Hill Road, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Nov. 27 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack surrounded by her loving family.

Colette was born April 18, 1938, in Fort Kent, Maine, the daughter of Herbert and Yvonne Bell. She was raised in Maine with her three sisters and two brothers, Maxine, Lucy, Kate, Vern and Phil. Colette lived most of her adult life in Merrimack. After retirement, she and her husband Harold shared their time between family in New Hampshire and friends and family in Florida. Colette was the ultimate expression of a loving wife and mother, as all that knew her would attest. Her husband and four children were at the top of the list of her caring heart. In addition, she touched countless lives as a dedicated and compassionate nurse for over 50 years.

Colette took great pleasure in spending time with friends and family. Some of her favorite activities included biking, boating and collecting sharks’ teeth with her grandkids on the Gulf Coast. It must also be written that she was a tenacious crossword aficionado and avid Patriots and Red Sox fan.

This past October she celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her devoted husband, Harold. Her immediate family includes her children Michael (and wife Jeanne) of Nashua; Kevin (and wife Ruth) of Merrimack; Geoffrey (and wife Lydia) of Dover, Del.; and Deborah of Portsmouth. She also absolutely cherished her eight beautiful grandchildren.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. followed by a memorial service and tribute at Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, N.H.

Burial services will be at Last Rest Cemetery in Merrimack.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Home Health & Hospice Care at www.hhc.org phone: 689-2396 or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition at www.ovarian.org/donate.php phone:1-888-682-7426.