Hope Salta Makris

Hope Salta Makris, 100, Beloved Matriarch of the NASWA Resort and Pillar of the Lakes Region, Passes Away

Hope Salta Makris, a pioneering woman in hospitality and a cherished figure in the Laconia community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, just six months shy of her 101st birthday. A true force of nature, Hope devoted more than eight decades to building the NASWA Resort and enriching the lives of everyone who crossed her path.

Born on December 5, 1924, to James and Fannie Salta, Hope was raised in Laconia, where her parents founded the NASWA in 1935. From a young age, she helped operate what would become a legendary family resort on Lake Winnipesaukee. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1946-a woman ahead of her time-Hope was told by her parents to "go to Boston, find a husband, and bring him back to help run the family business." That's exactly what she did.

Hope met Peter Makris while he was studying at Suffolk Law School. She brought him home to Laconia and they married in 1950. In 1953 the couple purchased the business from her parents and together, they built The NASWA Resort into one of the most iconic destinations in New England, overcoming early challenges-including a fire and a flood in the same summer of 1959-to create a place that welcomed generations of returning guests.

Hope wore many hats with fierce dedication: operator of the NASWA Spring Water Company, room cleaner, bartender, shopkeeper, and most importantly, mother to her three daughters. She worked 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week, for decades-embodying hard work, hospitality, and excellence.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Peter, her parents, James and Fannie Salta, and her sister, Artie Spadafora.

Hope leaves behind her devoted daughters: Karen Lowell and husband Jim Lowell; Victoria Makris and husband Michael Moore; and Cynthia Makris, her dedicated caregiver and companion in many South Florida winter adventures over the past 19 years. She also leaves her treasured granddaughters Kara Chase, Kristin Kittredge, Lexi Moore, and Sophia Moore; and great-grandchildren Kendall and Bode Chase, Finnegan and Ellington Kittredge.

She is also survived by her niece Gayle Fleming of Sunapee, MA; her cousins in the Scamman and Emmanuel families of Stratham, NH; the Salta family, Annastacia Yiannis and Charlie St. Clair of Laconia. Her dear friend Wanda Horton ensured Hope stayed active, walking weekly at Weirs Beach and the Belknap Mall, where Hope happily pruned the plants.

Hope loved her extended NASWA family of guests, friends, and staff-many of whom became like family over the decades. A spirited woman, she enjoyed riding motorcycles with Peter to Daytona Bike Week and never lost her sense of fun.

At age 75, Hope taught herself to bake, becoming an award-winning pastry chef known for her "Hope Made" desserts. Her carrot cake, cheesecakes, key lime pie, and Tommy Bahama cake won multiple accolades, including "Best of New Hampshire Magazine," "Best Dessert Tray" and "Best Desserts in NH" by Boston's Phantom Gourmet. She baked daily, even at 99 1/2.

Hope was deeply rooted in her Greek Orthodox faith, which sustained her through life's hardships. She and Peter were devoted members and godparents at Taxiarchai Greek Orthodox Church. She was also a lifetime member of Altrusa International and the Laconia Professional Women's Club, and a passionate supporter of Easter Seals NH and its Veterans Count program. She generously backed the annual HK Powersports Poker Run hosted at NASWA to benefit Easter Seals.

Hope received numerous honors in her 90s, including:

- 2015 Granite State Award, University of New Hampshire

- Lakes Region Tourism Association Lifetime Achievement Award

- 2017 Governor's Commendation from Gov. Chris Sununu

- 2024 Dick Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, NH Travel Council

With unmatched memory and grace, Hope greeted NASWA guests by name-generation after generation-making each visitor feel seen, special, and part of the NASWA family.

Her legacy is one of fierce devotion to her family, tireless work ethic, community service, and a spirit that never aged. She lived a remarkable, generous, and love-filled life-and made New Hampshire better through her presence.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, June 4, from 4-8 p.m. in the Carriage House at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.

Funeral services will take place Thursday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 68 N. State Street, Concord, NH followed by burial at Union Cemetery, 61 Academy Street, Laconia, NH.

A celebration of Hope's life will be held at 2 p.m. at The NASWA Resort, 1086 Weirs Blvd, Laconia, NH.

The family asks that donations be made in Hope's memory to the Peter Makris Memorial Fund, c/o The NASWA Resort, 1086 Weirs Boulevard, Laconia, NH 03246, continuing the couple's tradition of giving back to the community.

May Her Memory Be Eternal.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.