Bernice F. Bond

— Bernice F. Bond 96, of Nashua, NH and a former resident of Fitchburg, MA and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2021 in Merrimack, NH. Bernice Francis Barber was welcomed into this world by her parents, George Barber and Madeline (Layton) Barber of Saugerties, New York on November 20, 1924. She was baptized at St. Joseph's Church in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1943. In 1944, Bernice married Francis C. "Franny" LaPrade in North Carolina while he was in the Marine Corps. Together, they had two children, Linda and Craig. The couple loved to spend time with Franny’s brother Emery LaPrade, his wife June, and their children. The couple later divorced in 1972. Bernice found love again and married Robert A. Bond in Fitchburg, MA in 1972. The couple loved to travel with family and friends and socialize. They retired to Naples, FL in 1986. In her spare time, Bernice volunteered at Lake Park Elementary School, helping students learn to read. She became very close friends with her neighbor Marion Barber and considered her family. Bernice loved to play games like Skipbo, LCR, Yahtzee, and Scrabble. Every Friday she played card games with a small group of friends. She also volunteered her time at the Alzheimer’s Support Network. She is survived by her son Craig LaPrade and his wife Sandy, grandchildren; Shannon Foster, Erin Hart, Matthew LaPrade, and Brett LaPrade, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, and life-long friend of 78 years Therese Gauvin. She was predeceased by her husband Robert “Bob” Bond, her sisters; Vivian Barber Mello, Florence Barber Sousa, Valma Barber Hunter, Edna Barber Cordio, Georgia Barber Pearman Estes, step-daughter Juanita Foster, and her daughter and best friend Linda LaPrade. A private burial will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Alzheimer’s Support Network, 660 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 21, Naples, Florida 34102.