Effie Watson Bachand

Effie Watson Bachand

Concord, NH - On September 17, 2025, Effie Watson Bachand passed away, her loving family at her side. They miss her deeply every day.

Effie is survived by her daughters and their husbands, whom she thought of as her sons; Robin and Richard King of Bennington, NH, and Kathleen and Richard Mason of Portsmouth, NH. She loved her family most of all and adored her six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob Bachand, and grandson, Jonathon Mason.

Effie lived in the Upper Valley her entire life. She graduated from Canaan High School. She went on to nursing school and became a Registered Nurse. She worked in many departments at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, but her favorite was labor and delivery. Effie met many of the babies she helped deliver later in life and delighted them with stories of their delivery.

Effie loved to go antiquing, perusing pawn shops, and second-hand stores. She could not pass a sales rack without looking, because you never know! No one went hungry at her table; if you did, it was "your own damn fault!"

She loved telling about being Miss Canaan, NH, and leading the parade at a young age. Effie was one of the first nurses to break tradition and wear pants to work instead of a uniform skirt. Her legacy, generosity, stories, and love will live on. She will be missed dearly.

Effie especially enjoyed serving her community. She earned numerous awards from her Lions Club in recognition of her service to the community and her dedication to Lionism. Effie and Bob both liked cooking for the Senior Meal Program. Once a month, Bob, Effie, and their loyal group of volunteers would cook and serve hot, homemade meals to Senior Citizens. They joked about being in their eighties and serving people younger than they were.

We extend our sincerest thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and assistants at Concord Hospital and Harborside Hospice. All were incredibly caring and kind.

Because Bob Bachand passed away during COVID-19, we were unable to honor him. There will be a Celebration of Life Reception for Effie and Bob on November 1, 2025, at the First Congregational Church in Lebanon, NH (next to the Fire Station) from 12:00-2:00. It wouldn't be a celebration if Effie didn't feed everyone. We will be having light refreshments.