Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1930
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Lehtonen Obituary
She was born on Jan. 29, 1930 in Peterborough, daughter of the late Andrew and Marion (Cook) Antilla. Barbara was raised in Jaffrey and graduated from Conant High School in 1948. She married Albert J. Lehtonen in 1949 and moved to New Ipswich where they built their home together and raised their family.
Barbara's home was always open to everyone, and many of the area children considered it home and cherished Barbara's care for them. Barbara and Albert raised five sons of their own and had also lost two children during childbirth.
Barbara's biggest joy was tending her amazing flower and vegetable gardens and she had also raised chickens. She would always take time to unwind and connect with nature during her frequent hikes in the woods around her home. Barbara had been a member of the New Ipswich Congregational Church since moving to town and was very active with the church's annual Children's Fair and Rummage Sale for over 50 years. She also was a member of the Women's Auxiliary and volunteered at the Mascenic High School Library.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Marion Antilla, her loving husband Albert, her son Richard Lehtonen, two children during infancy and by her siblings, Ruth Johnson, Shirley Niskala and Andrew Antilla.
She is survived by her four sons, Glenn Lehtonen of Palm Bay, Fla. Carl Lehtonen of Rindge, Paul Lehtonen and Kenneth Lehtonen both of New Ipswich; 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; her sister, Gwendolyn Niskala of Jaffrey, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Family and friends are warmly invited to a calling hour on Friday, June 5, 2015 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the New Ipswich Congregational Church, 156 Main Street, New Ipswich, N.H. 03071.
A Funeral Service for Barbara will take place immediately after calling hours, at 11 a.m. in the New Ipswich Congregational Church. Pastor Stuart Nutter will officiate. Burial will follow in Smithville Cemetery on Binney Hill Road.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's name to the American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street, #104, Manchester, N.H. 03101
To share photographs, memories or condolences with her family, please visit Barbara's permanent online memorial at www.cournoyerfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Lehtonen
Gail Maillett (Leonard)
June 8, 2015
My sympathy to the Lehtonen family, your Mom was such a nice woman when I lived next to her, I truly think she is a angel in heaven.
June 7, 2015
To Paul, Diane, Jay, Melissa, Derek -
Your mom (granmom) was a real lady in all respects. We feel blessed to have known her through marriage of Melissa to Jeremy.
We will always remember her as a kind and gentle soul.
Barry & Joanne Adams
American Heart Association
June 3, 2015
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Ms. Lee
June 2, 2015
To Barbara's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. May your hearts be filled with joyful memories of time spent with her as you remember a life lived with love. (Psalms 90:10)
June 2, 2015
Our thoughts are with you Ken and family. - Tom and Pat Neff [Peterborough]
Steve Greene
June 2, 2015
Kenny and family,
Patty and I will be thinking of you during this time of loss.
The Cournoyer Family
June 2, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Lehtonen's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Barbara Lehtonen
Funeral services provided by:
Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center33 River Street P.O. Box 486, Jaffrey, NH 03452-0486
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Lehtonen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
