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Maynard Contois Obituary
He was born in Lebanon on November 7, 1936 to Albert "Joe" and Sylvia "Suki" (Cameron) Contois. He was educated in the Lebanon school system and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1954. He then attended Plymouth State College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Rivier College, where he received his Master of Education degree.
Maynard loved living and working in Bedford, first as a teacher and later as an administrator for 36 years. His life, however, was only complete when he married Christine in 1995. She was the love of his life and they spent 23 1/2 wonderful and loving years together. He was a gentle, caring and loving husband.
Maynard had a great love for classic movies. He was an avid collector of movie memorabilia from the '30s, '40s and '50s. He also enjoyed swimming, exercising and traveling to Marco Island, Vegas, Maine beaches and Bermuda with Chris and friends.
A special thank you to Sheila MacDonald who helped care for Maynard at night for months. Also to the wonderful nurses of 101E at CMC, Ali, Breanna and Katherine (LNA) whose caring and professional ways made his short stay easier and to the staff at Community Hospice House for their unending support and wonderful care that was given to us. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude.
Maynard was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Rodney Contois and Richard Contois.
The family includes his wife, Christine M. (Fitzgerald) Contois of Bedford and nephews, Terry and Todd of Claremont.
SERVICES: Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North Street, Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Rd., Bedford. Committal prayers will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 448 Donald St., Bedford.
Memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054.
To leave a message of condolence, visit www.lambertfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maynard Contois
Doreen Long
February 21, 2020
Christine, Maynard was one of a kind!!! He made our family laugh all the time ... I think of him often for he was part of our lives from 1961 till he passed away. When he married you, it was the happiest day of his life and for Jack, Sylvia, Steve, Doreen and our spouses .. etc we were so happy that u two joined together.. I know this has been tough for u and our hearts have been there for you!! We would love to get together but I believe strongly one must be patient and understanding of how u must feel... but we r there when u need us love, Doreen
Diane Dolbec-Coutu
March 6, 2019
Chris, I am so sad to have heard of your great loss. He was a wonderful man and very special. I hope that the happy memories will help you to cope with the empty feeling you must be feeling. We love you
Kaitlyn Choi (Stone)
March 5, 2019
Mrs Contois, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I so fondly remember Mr C proposing to you in front of our first grade class! He will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Jim Adams
March 5, 2019
Chris. I don't know where to begin, there are so many memories I have of Maynard and the years I knew him. He was a kind and gentle person who always had a smile and pleasant word for everyone. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you. But know we aren't so much mourning his passing as we are celebrating the life of a good man who will be missed by many. My heart and prayers go out to you and all who were touched by Maynard's love and saddened by his passing.
Cornelia Callahan
March 4, 2019
Sorry to hear about Maynard. It was a wonderful way to start my career teaching at McKelvie. Maynard became a life long friend. He will be missed by many but not forgotten. I have so many fond memories of the good times we all had.
Chris you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Connie
Eileen and Fred Litterio
March 3, 2019
Dear Chris,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful Maynard. There is no doubt that he is among the saints in heaven with all your loved ones. Our deepest and sincere sympathy.
Eileen and Fred Litterio
Bob & Carol Fournier
March 3, 2019
With our deepest and sincere sympathy to Christine and family for your loss of Maynard. He was a remarkable man in so many ways and will be missed by so many whose lives he touched.
He may be gone from sight but he will remain in your hearts forever. Rest in peace Maynard
Doreen Long
March 3, 2019
My mother Sylvia Edmunds, a teacher in the Bedford School System brought Maynard home in Sept of 1961 for supper because the under paid teacher lol had a can of beans in the cupboard or that is what Maynard told my mum lol!!! and so he kept coming to dinner and many family events, very important family events by the way and a 58 year relationship with him was born!!!! Maynard was the most wonderful, kind and hysterical person one could ever want to know not to mention a great educator. ONE WAS NEVER UNHAPPY when Maynard was around.!!! ANYONE!!!!!who knew Maynard was a better person for it!!! He was a friend to everyone! He will sorely be missed!
Chris, Jeff and I are so sorry for your loss.
Don Jette
March 3, 2019
Maynard was two years ahead of me in High School but we traveled in mutual circles with friends....he was very popular with everyone. Rest in Peace my friend.
Ryk Bullock
March 3, 2019
I remember Maynard so well and in so many ways, some preceding him becoming my 5th grade teacher and then going through all the elections when he and Chris would come to vote.
As a student goes through life i know that there are certain educators that leave such a lasting impression on your entire life....in my case certainly Maynard Everett Contois was at the head of the list.
The consummate gentleman whose kindness and integrity affected a countless number of Bedford children.
Chris, without question Maynard adored you....the two of you as one was a blessing for each of you and anyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.
God bless you both.
john davin
March 3, 2019
I knew Maynard during the 25 years I spent in the Bedford School System. I knew him as a warm,kind and extremely thoughtful man. I especially enjoyed listening to the hilarious stories he would tell.Rest In Peace, my friend.
Bobbie Pickell
March 3, 2019
I remember Mr. C. from 3 different parts of my life. First he was a teacher then Assistant Principal when I was a student at McKelvie Scool (1963-68). I remember how kind he was, making it almost pleasant to go to the principals office. Second, he was Principal at Memorial School when my mother, Bea Vose, was the nurse there until her passing in 1978. I enjoyed taunting him by using my married name and USAF rank when I'd call Mom from Florida. It took a few times but he figured it out. Lastly, was when my daughter attended Peter Woodbury School. His kindness made going to a new school easier as we had just moved from Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone whose life he touched and brightened. Keep him alive in your heats and memories and it'll always bring a smile to your face, I know it will mine.
Grace Freije
March 3, 2019
He was the Best of the Best. I was one of the lucky ones to have had Mr. Contois as my fifth grade teacher at Bedford Memorial School in 1963. A teacher, mentor and father figure to some. All these years later, the lessons and experiences of that year are still crystal clear in my memory. I still remember exactly where I sat in his class.
Ahead of his time, Mr. C taught us through creative learning, writing stories and plays, singing and working in groups collaboratively. He designed interesting games to teach us all kinds of subject matter and had us exercising each morning before class.
During that year, I endured my most embarrassing moment ever, and Mr. Contois handled it with such care and compassion. I have never forgotten the empathy he showed. It was also the year President Kennedy was shot. I still remember that moment in his class and the look on his face when the news of the shooting came over the intercom.
My brother and sisters and I spoke of him so often throughout the years. He was so dapper and funny, but mostly kind. We loved and respected him. We were all so happy years later when we learned he met Christine. I had the opportunity to visit them many years ago and I now I am glad to have told him my feelings. My regret is not having contacted him recently when learned he was ill at the wake of Mrs. Edmunds. I had been meaning to write. He will remain in my thoughts, but mostly in my heart forever. He truly was the Best of the Best.
I am sure he was inspirational in my choosing to become a teacher.
Kim Frederick
March 2, 2019
Dear Ms. Fitzgerald Contois, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Contois! He was a wonderful and sweet man. I will always remember him as the non-scary principal who liked my mother's Whoopie Pies! You are in my thoughts. With love and great respect, Kim Frederick
Jan Raudonis
March 2, 2019
Dear Chris,
I cannot think of Maynard and not smile. His love for you, and his friends, his passion for children and education, his quick wit and ability to laugh at himself along, with his keen interest in diverse topics that kept so many of us in awe of his recall of facts and trivia are just a few of the reasons I smile. He was a wonderful man who made a difference in the lives of so many children, parents and teachers. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan and Bill Burns
March 2, 2019
We're so sorry for your loss, Chris. It was fun catching up a few times over the years and I know you should be proud of what a great caregiver you were. He was so lucky, in that sense. Hope to still see you around town.
Marilyn
March 1, 2019
Chris , I'm so very sorry for your loss.. Maynard was one of the most wonderful persons I have ever had the pleasure to know!! Always had great stories, jokes and a warm smile. Im so glad to have shared so many laughs with you two!! Chris he adored you and it showed always!! Heaven has gained a angel! My thoughts and prayers are with you always!!! ❤❤❤
Barbara Garry
March 1, 2019
Chris and family. I am so sorry to hear of Maynards passing. Keeping him in my prayers.
Lynn Garbe-Recknagel
March 1, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Maynard's passing. He was a very gentle and kind man. Although I didn't know him well he radiated goodness. My sincere sympathy to Chris and his family.
Dennis Pope
March 1, 2019
It is with great sadness that I write to express my condolences to Chris and her family. I had the cherished opportunity to know and to work with Maynard for over 30 years. I shall always remember him for his complete dedication to the education of the children in Bedford. He loved children! He made a positive difference in the lives of so many children and educators over his 36 year career!
I, along with so many other people, will miss Maynard's wonderful sense of humor, devilish smile and most of all, his caring friendship! In closing, I'm sending positive thoughts, prayers and blessing to Chris, the absolute love of Maynard's life.
Celine Carrier
March 1, 2019
I first met Maynard as a student teacher when he was AP at McKelvie. Many fond memories of his kindness and assistance during that time. Later, when my own children were attending Bedford schools, Maynard was still there as a sparkling light. My best to Chris whom I also recall fondly as my Justin's first grade teacher. Maynard was a good man with a huge heart and a Superman costume!
Meredith Richards Zahlaway
March 1, 2019
Maynard made my years teaching at Memorial School full of wonderful memories. He was such a kind, caring person and leader. He was also absolutely hilarious, one of his most endearing qualities. His behind the scenes humor helped to make Memorial School such a special school.
Ray and Stella Landry
March 1, 2019
We have nothing but fond memories both professional and social of Maynard over the many years. We, along with Greg and Martha, send our sincerest condolences with thoughts and prayers to you Chris at this sad time.
Debbie Kelly
March 1, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always cherish the years I taught at Memorial with Maynard as assistant principal and as principal. He always had a kind work for everyone he met. Maynard was loved.
Janet [email protected]
March 1, 2019
I was so sorry to read of Mr. Contois passing. Mr. Contois was a warm, caring, love the kids, & treated the kids with respect, as the kids respected Mr. Contois. There are so many memories my family & I have (Klose & Woitkowski) while my children were in the Bedford schools. Mr. Contois was one of the many great educators the town of Bedford employed. RIP Mr. Contois. You will be missed.
Edd & Pat(Simmons) Benner
March 1, 2019
We are saddened to hear of Maynard's passing. His love of life and good humor gave everyone around him great pleasure. Working with him for several years and having him as a friend was a great joy. We send our sincere condolences to you Chris.
Suzanne Holt
March 1, 2019
Chrissy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. I want to thank you and Maynard for being such wonderful friends to my mother, Gloria! She loved you both. I have wonderful and fond memories of both you and Maynard! Love you Chris!
sandra bisson dyer
March 1, 2019
our family knew his kindness.i am sorry for the loss of such a good person.
Mr. Contois was my Principal at the early and opening days of McKelvie 1965-1968. I remember him as a calm presence; not like others I had in High school. Now , my grandson attends McKelvie and soon will my grandaughter. The school will have a second ange
Garry Haworth
March 1, 2019
Mr. Contois was my Principal at the early and opening days of McKelvie 1965-1968. I remember him as a calm presence; not like others I had in High school. Now , my grandson attends McKelvie and soon will my grandaughter. The school will have a second angel watching over the place. God Bless to Jack McKelvie and Mr. Maynard Contois
February 28, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cindy Chagnon
February 28, 2019
Chris, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Maynard had such a wonderful spirit and brought so much joy to so many people through the years. You both are legends among so many children that grew up in the Bedford schools and were nurtured by both of you. Jean and Cindy Chagnon
Ron Gondek
February 28, 2019
Maynard was one of the first administrators that I worked for when I started in the Bedford School District. He was one of the most caring and professional men that I had the privilege of working with. Maynard, RIP.
Nannette Raclin
February 28, 2019
Mr Contois was as an amazingly warm and caring administrator ...one who will be missed by all the Bedford staff...our sincere condolences to his lovely wife ; Chris, also a loved member of our wonderful Bedford staff family.
Ruthie Berger
February 28, 2019
God bless you Maynard. You were a wonderful cousin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chris. Try to hang on to your memories at this time.
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