Edda J. Pineo

Edda June (Hepworth) Pineo, a cherished resident of Franconia, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 90 following a period of declining health. Born on September 1, 1935, in Jerome, Idaho, she was the daughter of Merrit and Lillith Erickson Hepworth. Edda attended school in Eden, Idaho, and graduated with the first class from the newly combined Eden/Hazelton High School.

Edda grew up on her family's potato farm in Idaho before the family relocated to Ketchum, Idaho. While in Ketchum, Edda worked at the Sun Valley Ski Area, gaining experience in hospitality. In 1958, she moved to the White Mountains to work at the Notchway Motel near Franconia State Park. Edda assisted ski designer Seldon Hannah during the winters and later became the full-time manager as the motel transitioned into a year-round business.

When the Notchway Motel was demolished due to the expansion of Interstate 93 through Franconia Notch, Edda began working for the Clermont family at the Chalet Restaurant in North Woodstock. She later found fulfillment in her retirement at the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock, where she worked for 17 years.

Raised in a Mormon family with an ancestry traced back to 1540, Edda ultimately discovered her true faith within the Durrell Methodist Church community in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. She contributed to the church by playing the organ during services and was known for her beautiful singing voice, cherishing her time with fellow church members.

Edda is survived by her brother, Seth Hepworth, of Jerome, Idaho, and a niece by marriage, Angie. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Kirman Pineo, in 2019; her parents; and her sisters La Rae Thornbrough, LaRene Kara bas, and Carma Jean Hepworth.

A Celebration of Life, featuring hymn-singing, will take place at the Durrell Methodist Church in Bethlehem on Saturday, February 7th at 11 AM. All other services are to be held privately. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Edda's name may be made to the Durrell Methodist Church, PO Box 278, Bethlehem, NH 03574.

Assisting the family with arrangements is Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium.