Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

11/28/2025

The first year of the grief journey is difficult. It’s particularly hard to face the first time a special day passes, like a birthday or holiday. In this article, you will learn some ideas for navigating the “firsts” you will encounter on your path to healing. Click to learn more!

If this is your first year without a loved one, take a few moments to consider ways to navigate the "firsts" you will experience throughout this year.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! It's a day to stuff ourselves with delicious food and express how grateful we are for the past year. What's your favorite memory since last Thanksgiving?

11/26/2025

Spectacular marching bands are a staple of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade! Click the link below to learn how the West Virginia Mountaineers prepared for their performance. cutt.ly/MacysParade

11/26/2025

Phyllis 'Phyllie' Sauvola-Kangas

Phyllis Ann Sauvola Kangas, 72, of Rindge, NH, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, November 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home.

Born in Peterborough, NH, on September 5, 1953, 'Phyllie' was the daughter of Hjalmar and Elmi (Frigard) Aho. She graduated in 1971 from Chassell Township School, Chassell, MI.

Phyllie married Ken Sauvola on August 21, 1971, in Rindge, NH. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family. After raising eight children and fifty years of marriage, Ken preceded her in death on July 29, 2021.

Following a brief courtship, she married Tim Kangas on May 5, 2024. Together they found healing after losing their respective spouses. They excitedly embraced their new love and life as they planned for a bright future.

Phyllie worked as a talented bookkeeper for several local organizations including Quality Concrete, Legacy Gutter, and Hope Fellowship Church. She was a cherished member of her church community and joyfully shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met. A gifted seamstress and creative artist, she also had a natural talent for interior design. She loved hosting gatherings and easily made everyone feel like they belonged.

Phyllie is also pre-deceased by her son James Arthur Sauvola, her parents, 2 brothers; David Aho and Frederick “Fratt” Aho and 2 brothers in-law; Melvin Somero and Lawrence “Larry” Sauvola.

She is survived by her husband, Timothy Kangas of Rindge, NH, and her children; Myra (David) Somero of New Ipswich, Matt (Melinda) Sauvola of Rindge, DaNita (Aaron) Maunu of Kennewick, WA, Jered (Jaycee) Sauvola of New Ipswich, Tamara (Jeffrey) Krook of New Ipswich, Diana (Aaron) Rosenlund of New Ipswich and Dane (Heather) Sauvola of Rindge.

She was proud to be Emmy to: 20 grandsons; Adrian (Kayla), Davin (Annika) & Kade Somero, Delton & Myles Sauvola, Trayton (Bethany), Kye (Heidi), Bryson, Chase & Cruz Maunu, Connor, Elliot & Asher Sauvola, Preston & Jase Krook, Tallan & Kasen Rosenlund, Alec, Liam & Rhys Sauvola. 8 granddaughters; Tiahna Somero, Darla (Myles) Ketola, Shaelyn (Rand) Traffie, Nyla, Kiandra & Brailee Sauvola, Ava Krook and Charlize Sauvola. 8 great grandchildren; Rayah, Wesley & Eleanor Ketola, Emmett Somero, January Traffie, Addison & Ayla Maunu and Rayne Maunu.

Phyllie is also survived by her 9 sisters; Donna (Doug) Coponen, Ruth Somero, Gladys Sauvola, Judith (Dennis) Kinnunen, Barbara (Ken) Hammer, Eloris (Wayne) Hilman, Eunice (Allyn) West, Amelia (Mark) Sauvola, Mary (Walt) Kinnunen and 2 brothers; Carl (Diane) Aho and Jeffrey (Pat) Aho and 2 sisters in-law; Ella Aho and Fratt’s Deb Aho.

She is also survived by 2 stepdaughters; Stacey (Ed) Olson of New Ipswich and Angela Kangas of Hancock, MI, step grandchildren; Caleb & Quinn Olson, Ana (Zeke) & Talon Somero and hundreds of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

All are welcome to Calling Hours which will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Hope Fellowship Church, 16 Prescott Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Hope Fellowship Church, at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery on Goddard Road in Rindge.

View Phyllis 'Phyllie' Sauvola-Kangas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/26/2025

November is a time to think back and take notice of the good things. It’s a time to acknowledge that life is hard, but when we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, all of the good becomes visible. What’s an unexpected blessing you received this year?

11/24/2025

Kenneth W. Harding

Colonel Kenneth W. Harding, US Army, Retired, 82, of Peterborough, NH, was surrounded by his family when he passed on Friday, November 21, 2025, after a period of declining health.

He was the son of the late William and Hazel Harding, born on July 19, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Norristown High School, where he met the love of his life, Sandra. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Albuquerque in 1973.

A bit of a rascal with a twinkle in his eye and a laugh that surely meant he was up to something, Ken enlisted in the US Army in 1961. Little did he know then that he would spend the next 30 years serving his country. He was commissioned as an officer in 1965. Ken served two tours in Vietnam, was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and was inducted into the Officer Candidacy School Hall of Fame in 2020.

After his retirement from the Army, Ken received his teaching certification from then Franklin Pierce College. He aspired to be a social studies teacher and was for a short time before becoming an Assistant Principal at Milford High School, in Milford, NH in 1993. There, Mr. Harding was known as being an enforcer of rules and policies but was loved by students for being fair and treating everyone equally until his retirement in 2008. Many graduation ceremonies found his hands full of “gifts” from students, most memorably the year they all gave him their id lanyards.

Ken and Sandy were married February 24, 1962, and together moved from state to state, post to post with their children. They settled in Rindge, NH in 1985, where Ken was very involved in the United Congregational Church roast beef suppers and the Rindge Food Pantry. They moved to Peterborough in 2017.

An avid sports fan, Ken could be found on Sunday afternoons cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, on the sidelines of many Franklin Pierce soccer and basketball games in years past, or being the best Pop supporting his grandsons at their various sporting events.

Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy of Peterborough, his daughter Laura Harding and Tom Lambert of Jaffrey, his son Ken Harding, Jr and wife Sherry of Bedford, his grandson CJ Caron of Gray, ME, grandsons Kiefer Harding and Jake Harding, both of Bedford, his aunts Dot Ziegler and Janet Harding, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents and many beloved aunts and uncles, Ken was predeceased by his brother William Harding, Jr.

There will be no services at this time. Burial and graveside services will be held in the Spring 2026.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nursing staff at RiverMead Village Assisted Living for their loving care of Ken.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to Hospice at HCS, 312 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431.

View Kenneth W. Harding's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/24/2025

11/21/2025

Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for the good things in life, the blessings that came into our lives this past year. But did you know that gratitude after loss can build resilience and help you heal? Click the link to learn more!

Did you know gratitude practices can build resilience after loss? Check out this article to learn more and how you can cultivate gratitude.

11/21/2025

Elmi L. Olin

Elmi Lynn (Olson) Olin passed from life to life on November 19th, in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Elmi was born on August 18, 1964 in Winchendon, Massachusetts to Michael and Elaine (Seppala) Olson. She met the love of her life, Larry Duane Olin, in the winter of 1982 at a friend’s wedding. It was a whirlwind romance, and the two were wed on February 12, 1983 in her favorite place on earth, Florida. Since that beautiful, sunny day in Lantana, FL, the two rarely left each others side. Elmi and Larry were a package deal. They were married for 42 years.

Elmi was a faithful and devoted wife. Her life’s work was raising her three beloved children: Duane Michael, Tasha Vi, and Sheena Elmi. She was an incredible and doting mother. Her work multiplied, much to her joy, when each of her grandchildren were born. She was an exceptional Grammy.

Elmi found her joy in serving others. She had a way of making people feel understood and loved. She cared deeply for the hurting, and people who were down on their luck. She often could tell if someone was unhappy, or in trouble, just by looking at them. God gave her the gift of discernment. She never judged anyone, but rather pointed them to Jesus. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She held the burdens of others with care.

For a few years, Elmi ran and operated Weekend Consignment, in Rindge, N.H., with her sister Ramona Bowen. She made many friends in town that way. She had a gift for decorating spaces, and finding repurposed treasures.

Second to Larry, her children, and grands, Elmi’s love of her life were her six sisters: Ardelle, Irene, Naomi, Annie, Ina, and Ramona. They went everywhere together: errands, coffee shops, Christmas shopping, the beach, road trips, and vacations. They each enjoyed long chats together on her porch or over the phone.

She is predeceased by her father Micheal Olson, brother Andrew, and sister Annie.

She is survived by her mother, Elaine Olson of Rindge, N.H. Her loving husband of 42 years, Larry Olin. Her son, Duane (Chandra) Olin, her daughter, Tasha (John) Klein, and her daughter, Sheena (Adam) Kinnunen, all of Rindge, N.H. Most importantly, the joys of her life: Kenzie, Ella, Tyler, Theo, Madison, Noah and Lucy. She is also survived by her sister Ardelle (Daniel) Aho of Rindge, N.H., her brother Carl (Christine) Olson of Rindge, N.H., her sister Irene (Dan) Kinnunen of Taylors, S.C., Naomi (Gordon) Olin, Ina (Scott) Hakala, Dana (Tara) Olson, Aaron (Kimberly) Olson, Ramona (Brent) Bowen all of Rindge, N.H. Along with many dearly loved brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Ashburnham Apostolic Lutheran Church, 315 Winchendon Road, Ashburnham, M.A. With a funeral service at 12:00pm.

Burial will immediately follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Rindge, N.H.

View Elmi L. Olin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/20/2025

Peregrine White

Peregrine ‘Perry’ White, 99, of Rindge, NH passed peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at home.

Perry was born on October 29, 1926, in Winchendon Massachusetts, a son of the late Ralph and Florabel (Wright) White. He was a graduate of the prestigious Lawrence Academy of Groton, Massachusetts. Post graduation, Perry followed a calling to join the United States Army Air Corps.

Following his discharge, Perry became a very avid fi****ms enthusiast, proudly collecting guns and owning and operating his own shop, Perry White’s Gun Shop, in Rindge. His interest in guns spanned over 60 years. Perry also was an avid Dodgers fan and was able to see them win two World Series in a row.

Perry married the love of his life, Jean T. White, on June 6, 1970.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean White, his brother Redvers White, and two half-sisters Edith Scourtis and Debrah Whammond.

Perry is survived by his nephew Bruce White, nieces Christine Delvecchio and Kathy Collinsworth, nephews James Segal and his wife Sonia Segal, Maricio, Ralph Tillinghast and his wife Anna, James Tillinghast and his wife Nancy and niece Sarah C***s and her husband Brian.

Services will occur in the Spring and be announced at a later date.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at Mr. White’s residence on December 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at 11 Hampshire Road, Rindge, NH.

The family kindly asks that you please RSVP - 603-852-8878 by December 1st.

View Peregrine White's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/19/2025

Granny squares can make a cozy cardigan, a colorful lampshade, or a beautiful blanket! Check out the article below for more fun projects you can create with your squares! 🧶

Hooked on the humble granny square? Discover over 40 Granny Square ideas for a range of projects using crochet squares.