Therese D. Riel

EPSOM – Therese D. Riel, 95, of Epsom and formerly of Pittsfield, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Presidential Oaks in Concord.

Born on January 24, 1931, in Laconia, NH, she was the daughter of the late Raoul and Yvonne (Morin) Drouin. Therese graduated from Laconia High School in 1948 before moving to Lake Worth, Florida, where she worked as a waitress and later as a chef at the Flamingo restaurant.

In 1952, her parents purchased the Washington House in Pittsfield, NH. At their request, Therese returned home in February 1953 to help run the hotel, which she continued to do until it was sold in 1973. She was also a long-time employee of Cambion Electronics and Sprague Electric.

Remembered as a "spitfire," Mrs. Riel was a true candy connoisseur who enjoyed weekly trips to the Bon-Ton. She loved camping-a tradition she continued until age 92-where she enjoyed people-watching and keeping her French-speaking skills sharp. She also enjoyed cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family, especially helping with her grandchildren in her later years.

Therese was predeceased by her husband, Cleon V. Riel, Sr., and her siblings: Robert Drouin, Joan Fernandez, Paul Drouin, Victor Drouin, and Claire Wentworth.

She is survived by her children, Cleon V. "Kip" Riel, Jr., and Lurene R. Haskell (husband Craig); her grandchildren, Marissa R. Butterfield (husband Justin) and Shelby Y. Burgess (husband Nate); and two great-grandchildren, Jason P. Butterfield and Cleon D. "Kippy" Burgess. She also leaves behind her favorite daughter-in-law, Kelly E. Riel, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10AM-12PM at the Roan Family Funeral Home – Still Oaks Chapel, 1217 Suncook Valley Highway, Epsom. A brief service of remembrance will begin at 12PM in the funeral home, followed by light refreshments. Interment will be held in the spring. Therese loved flowers, but should you choose to make a donation in her memory, please consider Granite VNA Hospice, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH, 03301 or The Alzheimer's Association, 15 Constitution Drive, Suite 1G, Bedford, NH 03110. To share a memory or offer condolences please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com