Woman who died in crash had Lake Region links

LACONIA — Desma Oakes, one of the seven motorcyclists who died in a collision with a truck last Friday evening, was a former Gilmanton resident who friends and colleagues remembered for her unshakable positive attitude and community involvement.

Oakes, 42, who most recently had been living in Concord, was among the group of five men and one woman who died as they were traveling east on Route 2 in Randolph. The men were members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club. Oakes was a club supporter, according to Deputy Attorney General Jane E. Young.