HEATH GILFORD — Mary J. Heath, 83, of 737 Gilford Ave., died Saturday, March 31, 2012, in her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Lincoln, the daughter of Albert and Viola (Horner) Jarvis.

She worked for a number of years for Grants Store in Laconia and also worked as a waitress for Colonial House of Pancakes in Laconia.

She lived in Gilford for over 50 years and in recent years wintered in Cocoa, Fla.

Mary loved camping and was a longtime lover and owner of Sheep Dogs, owning them for 42 years. She was known as a great cook and a fantastic mother.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Barbara Ann Heath, in 1957, and by three sisters;

Rose Mitchell, Eva Goupil and Anna Belanger.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Herbert Heath of Gilford; three sons, Ed Heath and his wife, Judy, of Laconia, Jerry Heath of Sebastian, Fla., and Ernest Heath and his wife, Liz, of Horsham, Penn.; two daughters, Linda Prockter of Pembroke and Anna Price and her husband, David, of Belmont; 5 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren.

There will be no calling hours.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in Pine Grove Cemetery in Gilford.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH, 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.