Rhoda "Nana" Madeline (Gilbert) Allard

Northfield Rhoda Madeline (Gilbert) Allard Rhoda "Nana" M. Allard, 95, a lifelong resident of Northfield died Monday, February 8, 2016 at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen following a short period of failing health. Rhoda was born in Northfield, December 23, 1920, daughter of Alfred and Amanda (Bernard) Gilbert. As a homemaker and caretaker she lived for her family, which extended to the community when she opened her day care soon after the passing of her husband, Leonard Allard, in 1972. Her love and dedication to children kept her in the daycare business for about two decades, extending well beyond the usual age of retirement. Being at home most of the time, she loved to have company and enjoyed the spontaneity of friends and neighbors dropping in. Visitors were usually met with a warm welcome, complete with the offer of coffee or cocktail as well as a meal, especially if they came to play a game of cards or Scrabble. As family and friends gathered in her room before her passing, some of her last words were, "it's always nice to have company." Rhoda had a great fondness for the birds around her home. In addition to her husband, Rhoda was predeceased by her daughter, Doris Carlisle in 1995. She leaves, her granddaughter, Kimberly J. Carlisle of Gilford Nieces and nephews A funeral service will be held Saturday at 1:00 PM at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, Franklin-Tilton Road (584 West Main St) in Tilton. Spring burial will be held at St. John Cemetery in Tilton. Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Rhoda's name to the Boston Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA, 02114.