Edna Desjardins

Concord--Edna M. (Pratt) Desjardins, 86 of Concord, NH, died at home on November 7th, 2022 surrounded by love. Born in Biddeford, ME in 1936, she was the daughter of Alice (Morin) and Arthur Pratt. She graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1957 in Biddeford and was married two weeks later in Fort Dix, NJ on June 29, 1957 to Marcel Eugene Desjardins of Concord, NH. They were high school sweethearts and lived in Germany from 1958 to 1961, where they drove across the Swiss Alps to visit Lourdes, Paris and Rome. They returned and settled in Concord, NH in 1961 until they moved to Canterbury, NH in 1979, where they had built their dream home. They vacationed and eventually spent winters in Madeira Beach, FL for nearly 40 years, making many close friends there. Most recently living with her daughter in Concord, NH these past two years.

Edna worked many years at the NH State Hospital, first as an aide, then as a Recreational Therapist, serving a complex and often compromised patient population. She became a strong advocate for them and loved her work there. Her service to others continued, as this always brought meaning and joy to her life. She was a Stephen Minister for many years to those with terminal illness, she was a pioneer learning Therapeutic Touch in the 70's and served as a Eucharistic Minister for several decades as well. Edna had an abiding and devout faith that was integral in her daily life. A faithful support of Joseph Retreat House in Manchester, the Christian Children's Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society, EWTN, and many more. She kept extensive journals on her daily meditations "Good Morning Jesus, my best friend ..." asking for guidance in her daily interactions. Edna enjoyed gardening, sharing the bounty of her labor with friends and neighbors, she was a gifted crocheter and loved to entertain. Many will recall the annual Open House gatherings on Christmas Eve, both on Downing St. and New Rd, as well as Labor Day and Fourth of July celebrations on Suncook Lake.

Predeceased by her husband Marcel in 2017, her son Kenneth in 2021 and her brother Rodger (Pete) Pratt in 2011. She is survived by three children; Francis (Kimberly) Desjardins of Northfield, NH, Suzan Desjardins-Lank of Barnstead, NH and Michelle Desjardins of Concord, NH. Eight grandchildren and nine great grand-children, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will be held at Bennett Funeral Home on Thursday November 17, 2022 from 5-7pm.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Christ the King on Friday November 18, 2022 at 10am, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in Concord, NH.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Manchester VNA Hospice Team with gratitude for their exceptional devotion to both Edna & Ken in their final days, Their professionalism and gifted empathy for their work made this final journey at home attainable.