Violet Despres

Violet Despres, 88, of Peterborough, passed away on December 10, 2018 after a period of failing health.  She was born in Peterborough on February 24, 1930,  the daughter of Joseph and Minnie (Sweeney) Sangermano.

Vi was raised in Peterborough and attended Peterborough schools, graduating high school in 1948.  She worked at NH Ball Bearings for thirteen years, where she became an executive secretary to the Vice President of Manufacturing.   Later, she worked for East Coast Steel and  American Steel where her secretarial and office management skills were a great benefit.  She also worked at ConVal High School in the federally funded World of Work Program.

Many years ago Vi accepted the Lord as her Savior and we can be at peace knowing that she is with Jesus today in Paradise.  Vi loved the Lord and was a longtime member of the St. Peters and Divine Mercy Women’s Guild.  She participated in many activities, one of which was the annual Christmas fair.   She was known for her famous peanut butter fudge and baked beans, which were always in demand and went fast.

Vi enjoyed music, dancing, Jazzercise, and traveling.  She traveled to Europe visiting family in Italy and England as well as throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.   She loved the ocean and spent many summers camping at Wells Beach.  During the winter months she and her husband would vacation in Florida with their RV.   Vi looked forward to the Peterborough Memorial Day Parade, where she rode in a Gold Star Family convertible representing the Sangermano family and the loss of her brother Philip, who was an Ace Pilot in WWII.

In addition to her loving husband of 49 years David Despres, Vi is survived by her sons Michael Hill, and his wife Nan, Philip Hill, and his wife Phyllis, her step-son Paul Despres, and his wife Peggy; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; brothers Antonio Sangermano, and his wife Avril,  and Joseph Sangermano, and his wife Christine; sister Norma Whitney and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her step-son Steven Despres and her siblings Philip Sangermano, William Sangermano, Mae Keraezis, Cindy DeLille, Viola Toussant and Anita Miller.

A Visiting Hour will be held at Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church Street, Peterborough on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 10:00am - 11:00am.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am, followed by burial at Pine Hill Cemetery and a reception at Divine Mercy Parish.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Vi’s memory to Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church Street, Peterborough, NH 03458, or to Children International at www.children.org