Upcoming Events
Mary LaCoste Obituary
Mary Lou was born in Nashua, NH on May 11, 1936, and was the daughter of the late David and Ruth (Ackley) Stevens. She graduated from Nashua High School in 1952 and Keene State College in 1957.
She taught at Troy High School and then at Marlborough Elementary school for over 30 years before retiring in 1995. After her retirement she volunteered at local elementary schools where she read to the children and helped with many projects, she also volunteered at nursing homes playing games, reading to the residents and helping to tend the gardens, and was a member of the Keene State Alumni Reunion Committee for many years.
Mary Lou enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Old Homestead Garden Club. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Keene. She enjoyed spending time with her family, always cooking a Sunday dinner and hosting family gatherings, or a cookout by the pool. A favorite hobby was crafting with "Sister and She". Mary Lou loved to travel the world, and especially enjoyed her winters with her sister in Arizona.
She is survived by her children Gwen Murray and husband Peter of Merrimack, Brian Murray and wife Lisa of New Durham, Sue Williams and husband Mike of Concord, Kathy Hall and husband Ed of Keene, and Debora Murray of Swanzey; grandchildren Kali, Jacob, Trevor, Jacqueline, Pamela, Rebecca, Matthew, Tyler, Dan, Alex, Andrew, Eric, Amanda, and Abigail; several great-grandchildren; brother- in-law Jacob Crosby; sister-in-law Nora Stevens; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her siblings Robert Stevens, Priscilla Hutchison, Alan Stevens, Frances Ann Crosby and Norman Stevens, her husband Valmore LaCoste, her close friends Ginny and Missy Minnick, and the father of her children, Robert H. Murray, Jr.
A visitation will be held at 9:30AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 105 Maple Ave, Keene, NH, with a service to begin at 10:30AM. A burial will take place immediately following at Monadnock View Cemetery, 499 Park Ave, Keene, NH.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in Mary Lou's memory to First Baptist Church of Keene, 105 Maple Ave, Keene, NH 03431.
Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
46 South Winchester Street, Swanzey, NH 03446
People and places connected with Mary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Mary LaCoste
Tell your own story about Mary
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Mary LaCoste's name
How to support Mary's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Mary LaCoste'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
