Laura Ellen Hoyt Mahoney

Laura Ellen Hoyt Mahoney, 63, died Monday, April 14, 2008, at her home in East Madison. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, which she fought valiantly for nearly two years, supported by her husband Jack, sons Andrew and Kevin, family and friends. Laura was born December 2, 1944 in Hartford, Conn. Her parents E. Milton Hoyt and Francis Hayden Hoyt returned to East Madison to be a year round residents and expand the family business when Laura was six months old. She was active in the student body at Kennett High School and graduated third in her class in 1962. She went on to earn a bachelor of arts in psychology from Bates College in 1966 where she was an integral part of the college community, serving as a resident assistant.Lauras career at the familys business, Purity Spring Resort and King Pine Ski Area spanned nearly 60 years. Her responsibilities evolved from stuffing envelopes at the age of 4 to being the matriarch of the diverse family resort. Lauras familiar smile and presence welcomed generations of resort guests: at the front desk, in the dining room, at evening games, hiking to the breakfast cook outs and throughout her multitude of other ownership and managerial responsibilities.Lauras greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her grandchildren biking, hiking and traveling. She particularly loved visiting their summer cottage on Danforth Bay and the coast of Maine. She will be sadly missed by Jack, her husband of 43 years; her son Andrew, his wife Amy and their children Drew and Ceili; her son Kevin, his wife Claire and their children Annika and Eliza; her brothers Edward Hoyt and his wife Bobbi; Robert Hoyt and his wife Yvonne; sister Susan Hoyt and her husband Roland and their families; her best friend and sister-in-law Nancy Geissenhainer. Her parents, E. Milton and Francis, and her sister Katherine Morong predeceased her. She is also survived and missed by Katherines husband Mark and children Amy and Aaron Morong. The extended Hoyt and Mahoney family, many friends and the expansive resort family, will also miss her.A memorial service will be held at Purity Spring Resort on May 4, at 2 p.m.Lauras greatest concern was for her eldest grandson Drew who suffers from intractable epilepsy and autism. The family has created a foundation in her memory to offer support and education for the regions families and programs coping with these disorders. In lieu of flower donations can be made to the Laura Mahoney Autism and Epilepsy Foundation 1251 Eaton Road, Madison, N.H. 03849.