Genevieve Lounder

She was born in Allentown, PA on February 18, 1917, the daughter of George and Anna (Bachman) Kase. Because her father was a Marine, Mrs. Lounder lived in a number of states before she went on to graduate as Salutatorian from Ontelaunee High School in 1936.

After High School, Mrs. Lounder worked at a hosiery mill in Reading, PA. She also worked as a waitress in Florida, Texas, California and Mississippi where she met her future husband, Sam. Then on April 14, 1944, she married Nathaniel “Sam” Lounder in Los Angeles. In 1946, they moved to Gilsum and lived there for the rest of their lives.

Mrs. Lounder was very active in her community and church life. She was one of the founders of the Gilsum Rock Swap that is held annually. She was a lifetime member of the state PTA, and served in a number of roles for over 32 years including chairwoman of the scholarship fund. Mrs. Lounder also served on the Council of Churches for St. Bernard’s Church for over 25 years.

She was a life time member of the Ashuelot Grange and was a member of 4-H for over twenty years, molding many young minds on multiple outdoor and nature subjects. Mrs. Lounder served as the chairwoman and program leader for the Home Extension Service for many years.

Mrs. Lounder enjoyed snowshoeing, growing flowers in her garden, and driving down each week to the convent to donate her extra vegetables. She also enjoyed attending the Flower Show and writing poetry. Earlier, she had been part of a traveling theater group that dealt with aging issues.

She is survived by her sons Earl Lounder of Rutland, VT, Everett Lounder, and wife Peggy, of Keene, NH, Dick Lounder, and wife Louise, of Lempster, NH, Guy Lounder, and wife Rita, of Gilsum, NH, Clem Lounder, and wife Marie, (who both shared in taking care of Genevieve in recent years), of Gilsum, NH; daughters Rosanne Bolles, and husband Walt, of Bethel, PA, and Theresa Maguire of Gilsum, NH; sister Anna Mae Miller of Baltimore, MD; 30 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. Her husband Nathaniel “Sam” Lounder, son Matthew Lounder, daughter Karen Paju, two brothers and one sister all died earlier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 24th, 2012, 10:00 AM at St. Bernard’s Church, 185 Main St., Keene, NH. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Keene. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH 03431.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Genevieve Lounder’s name to St. Joseph School, 92 Wilson St., Keene, NH 03431.