Fanny DePetta Obituary

Bow, NH - Fanny DePetta, 94, passed away May 15, 2025. Fanny was born in Masaya, Nicaragua, a country she loved and prayed for. Fanny was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband George Valentine DePetta. Their life together was much too short, but she would often close her eyes and dance with him as she played their favorite songs.

Fanny was also predeceased by her mother Aminta Blandino Eger, her father Alejandro Eger, and her brother, Alfonso Miranda. She loved and admired her mother and father so much for the love, strength, and courage they showed and passed on to her. Her brother was an integral part of her life, as he gave her support and guidance that was priceless as she began her journey in the United States.

Fanny was the loving mother of George Alexander DePetta (Michele DePetta) of Wayne, PA and Maria Elena Tur (Anthony Paul Tur) of Canterbury, NH. She was an adoring grandmother to Anthony George Tur of Laconia, NH, Natalie Grace Tur and Maile Margaret Tur of Canterbury, NH, and Rachel Hefner (Brian Hefner) of Jane Lew, WV. She was thrilled and proud to be a great-grandmother to Rachel's children, Kian and Ainsley.

Besides her immediate family, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews, her goddaughter Lesbia Gonzales, her long-time friends Adina Rivera and Linda Arcieri, and newer, much treasured friends Angela Bradley and Terry Smith. We'd like to thank the hospice staff from the Granite VNA for their amazing, compassionate care.

Fanny was a devout Catholic and her actions were guided by the belief that we are all criaturas de Dios - God's creatures. She believed that "since we are all created equal in relation to God, we all have equal dignity as earthly children of our heavenly Father; every human being deserves our respect; and that a rich man is neither more important nor entitled to more consideration than a poor man." Fanny was tough, generous, incredibly kind, and forgiving.

Fanny led a life full of trials and tribulations. It began in one of the most impoverished countries of the world, where her mother taught her how to survive and then thrive with the inclusion of her stepfather. Through the power of education, the help of family, and the assistance of programs aimed at helping new citizens, she was able to create a life she was proud of. Fanny was widowed when her children were babies, in a country that was still new to her. She went back to Nicaragua for the love and support of her parents. She earned a degree in education and taught school in Managua. When she saw that political instability was threatening the safety of her family, she made another bold move back to the United States. Once again, she was starting over on her own. The degree she earned in Nicaragua did not qualify her to be a teacher here, but she did not let that get in her way. She went back to school while working and raising her children on her own, and once again earned a degree in education. She was a beloved teacher in the public school system and an educator her entire life. This is just a sprinkling of Fanny's life. The list of her adventures, sacrifices, and accomplishments would fill a book. She was an amazing woman, and we are so proud and honored to call her our mom.

There was nothing that Fanny wouldn't do for her children and grandchildren. Her love and protection truly had no boundaries. Towards the end of her life, someone asked Fanny if she had any fears. She said that she wasn't afraid to die, but she worried about leaving us alone. Until the very end, all she wanted was for us to be OK. I believe this poem captures what Fanny would say to those of us struggling with missing her every day.

When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
Are filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know you'll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love
But when I walked through Heaven's gate
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne
He said this is eternity
And all I promised you
Today your life on earth is past
But here it starts anew
I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of me
I'm right here in your heart
By David M. Romano