Rose M. Lessard

Rose M. (Mondazzi) Lessard, 86, of Pelham, NH died peacefully on Sunday, July 16th. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis N. (Frank) Lessard, who died February 16, 2013. Rose was a resident of Pelham for 50 years, though she spent most of the last year of her life being lovingly cared for by her daughter-in-law Judy and Bill in their Londonderry home, and two winters before that with her son Briand and his wife Cher in Winter Garden, Florida.  
Anyone who knew Rose knew that her personality was so much larger than the tiny frame of her body.  She was born Lowell, Massachusetts, July 18, 1930, the daughter of the late Michael and Angelina (DiRocco) Mondazzi, both Italian immigrants. Rose was small and feisty and didn’t mince words – and she always spoke with honestly and out of love. She loved those close to her fiercely, and she cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and friends.
One of eight children, Rose spent her life working hard and caring for family. As a young woman, she helped care for her sisters’ children, then after marriage, for her own husband and three boys. She worked as a seamstress at J Dress in Lowell, then for Pro Player Sports Apparel in Hudson, NH. She was also an Italian housewife, cooking dinner for her family every night, and keeping a house so clean you could have eaten off the floors.
Among her interests, Rose enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in her yard, chatting with her wonderful neighbors on Melody Lane in Pelham, and watching her programs. Everyone knew better than to call during Wheel of Fortune, but at any other time, Rose was ready to talk or play a game of cards, and would share tales of her time as a young woman in Lowell, where she loved to go out dancing with girlfriends. Before her sisters passed away, she spent much of her time chatting with them by phone and sometimes going shopping with them, though she rarely treated herself to anything.
Rose is survived by her three sons and their families: Briand J. Lessard and his wife Cheryl (Cher) of Winter Garden, FL; William A. (Bill) Lessard and his wife Judith (Judy) of Londonderry, NH and Robert R. (Rob) Lessard and his wife Ola of Bellingham, WA; seven grandchildren: Christopher, Ryan, Amanda, Johnathon, Brianna, Amaya and Teagan; several nieces and nephews; and many amazing friends and neighbors.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Monday morning, August 14th at Gibson Cemetery in Pelham, NH at 10 AM.  E-condolences at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rose’s memory to Community Care Givers of Greater Derry/Loaner’s Closet, 1 B Commons Drive #10, Londonderry, NH 03053. Arrangements by the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME (603) 635-3333.