She was born in Sunapee, NH, on October 31, 1922 the daughter of Eric and Aini (Ehrlund) Ahde.
Rebecca (Becky) graduated from Towle High School in Newport, NH, in 1939 and attended Bryant & Stratton Business School in Boston, MA.
During World War II she was employed as a secretary at the Boston Army Base in Boston, MA in the Military Intelligence Division and at the Port of Embarkation in Newport News, VA. While in Claremont she worked for the Indian Head National Bank (previously Peoples National Bank) from 1966 to 1982.
Rebecca married Loui F Bonaccorsi on November 4, 1944 in Newport,NH. A devoted couple, they lived in Cambridge and Arlington, MA, until 1954 when they moved to Claremont, NH. There they raised five children, providing a safe and caring home. Family vacations were treasured and memories created. Education was valued and Becky and Loui provided post high school educations to their five children.
Rebecca remained in her Claremont home until she was 92. It was truly a ‘home’ where children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved to gather. When it was time to leave her home she was grateful to move to a lovely room at Sullivan County Health Care where she was very well cared for by a kind and competent staff. While the location of family gatherings changed Rebecca continued to take part in family events. She knew everyone and could engage with her family and friends until the end of her life.
Rebecca’s parents immigrated from Finland. Rebecca personified the Finnish word Sisu: strength of will, determination, perseverance and acting rationally in the face of adversity. Sisu is not momentary courage but the ability to sustain that courage.
She was predeceased by her husband Loui, their son Matthew and her sister Miriam.
The surviving family includes two daughters: Ann Fontaine and her husband Glenn of Manchester, NH and Aruba and Paulina Griesbach of Burlington, Ontario Canada; two sons Thomas Bonaccorsi and his wife Kathleen of Rye, NH and Peter Bonaccorsi and his wife Elizabeth of Washington, DC and Matthew’s wife Cynthia Bonaccorsi of Croydon.
She is also survived by five grandchildren: Jennifer Bonaccorsi and her partner Lee Wassilie, Emily McMahon and her husband Conor, Ethan Griesbach and his wife Sarah, Lauren Granville and her husband Scott, Hilary Bonaccorsi Oates and her husband Justin. Five great grandchildren: Kellan and William McMahon, Haven and Oscar Griesbach, and Isabel Wassilie.
In addition Rebecca is survived by nieces and nephews and her dear companion and friend Patty Dickenson.
Per Rebecca’s request there are no calling hours.
A celebration of Rebecca’s life and burial will be held at a later date and announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be sent to St. Mary’s Church Renovation Fund, 32 Pearl St Claremont, NH 03743 or Sullivan County Health Care Activities Fund, 5 Nursing Home Drive Unity NH 03743
★ 2016 Copyright E-Ticker News of Claremont ★ Website by Bee Balm Productions ★