Thelma Hazel LaCroix

Thelma Hazel LaCroix, a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, and a lifetime devoted to caring for others.

Born on February 12, 1936, in Littleton, New Hampshire, to Howard and Mildred Thomas Bixby, Thelma grew up with humble beginnings on a New Hampshire farm, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and generosity. She graduated from Littleton High School in 1954 and married the love of her life, Leon LaCroix, on June 5, 1954. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and devotion.

To know Thelma was to know a woman with a generous heart, a strong spirit, and a mind of her own. She loved fiercely, spoke her mind freely, and never hesitated to care for those around her. Whether offering a warm meal, a hot cup of coffee, or a little unsolicited advice, Thelma had a way of making her presence known. She may not always have expressed her love quietly, but she expressed it wholeheartedly.

Her greatest joy was her family, particularly the time she spent caring for her grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting, working within the Claremont school system, and volunteering with the Junior Catholic Daughters at St. Joseph’s Parish. A devout Catholic, Thelma’s faith was an important part of her life, reflected in her generosity and willingness to help anyone in need.

Thelma was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leon LaCroix; her parents, Howard and Mildred Thomas Bixby; her sister, Virginia Mondore Bixby; her brother, Howard Bixby Jr.; and her granddaughter, Jessica Kinson.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Bixby; her loving children, Paul, Stan, Kurt LaCroix, and Darlene Kinson; her daughters-in-law, Sarah Finney, Sandi LaCroix, and Melissa LaCroix; and her son-in-law, Tom Kinson. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, Ben LaCroix and his wife, Brandi LaCroix, parents of Mia LaCroix; Melissa Baird and her husband, Joshua Baird, parents of Maddox, Adia, and Naya Baird; Tyler and Hunter LaCroix; and Christian Andrzejczyk, whom she embraced as a grandchild.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the administration, staff, and especially the dedicated nursing team at Sullivan County Nursing Home in Unity, New Hampshire. Their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness throughout Thelma’s years there will never be forgotten, and her family will remain forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers being sent to the memorial service, the family requests that donations in the form of flower arrangements, art and craft supplies are sent to: Sullivan County Nursing Home, Attn: In Memory of Thelma LaCroix, 5 Nursing Home Dr., Claremont, NH 03743.

Thelma will be remembered not only for the love she gave, but for the countless ways she showed it. Her strength, spirited personality, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Visiting hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, NH, Thursday, November 19th from 10am to 11am followed by a prayer service at 11am.