CLAREMONT — Mari- Elena Ledoux, 83, formerly of Chestnut Street Extension in Claremont, died Tuesday July 31, 2012, at Sullivan County Healthcare in Unity, following a period of failing health. She was born April 19, 1929, in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of Jose and Elene (Riverolle) Gavia and had been a Claremont resident since 1971 moving here from San Lorenzo, Calif.

Growing up in Mexico, Maria had been employed as a hairdresser and had also worked in laboratories. When she moved to the United States, she enjoyed watching soap operas and learned to speak English by watching them. She also appreciated listening to the Saturday afternoon opera on the radio.

On Jan. 30, 1965, she married Philip N. Ledoux. He predeceased her on Aug. 29, 2011. Members of her family include a son, Gerald Ledoux of West Lebanon; two daughters, Sylvia Swain of Enfield, N.H., and Susan Ledoux of Newport; five grandchildren,

Lindsay K. Ledoux, Lauren K. Ledoux, Cedric P. Holland, Carrie A. Holland and Anna-Alisia Ledoux; one sister, Ophelia Gavia of Mexico; and a very special friend, Sr. Cecelia Ferland, RSM, of Claremont. She was predeceased by a sister, Mercedes Gavia, who died in November of 2011.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at St. Mary’s Church with the Rev. Shawn M. Therrien, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may call at the Roy Funeral Home, 93 Sullivan St., in Claremont, on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to either St. Mary Parish, 32 Pearl St., Claremont, NH 03743; or Sullivan County Healthcare, Patient Activity Fund, 5 Nursing Home Drive, Claremont, NH 03743.

You are invited to share a memory of Maria with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Roy Funeral Home and Cremation Service.