Alexis H. Aiken

Alexis H. Aiken CHARLESTOWN, NH -Alexis H. Aiken (Lexi), 75, of Charlestown, NH, passed away on November 27, 2023. Lexi grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts in a big house on Main Street. She would proudly tell everyone she met that her (late) father, Norman Hoelzel, was a Doctor and her (late) mother Aline Hoelzel, was a social worker. Lexi spoke fondly about her childhood and told the best stories of the adventures she had with her three siblings whom she is survived by; Christopher (Paula) Hoelzel of Bethesda, MD, Lucinda (Thomas) Ladd of Wakefield, RI, and Rus (Elena) Hoelzel of Whitburn, UK. Lexi is also survived by all who loved her including her husband of 45 years Richard Aiken of Charlestown, NH; her children Aaron Aiken and his fiance Stacey Tufts of Springfield, VT; Chelsea Lareau and her husband Jason of VT; and her grandchildren whom she cherished the most: Devin Snide-Tufts, Xander, Brody, and JulieAnn Aiken and Walter and Stella Lareau. Lexi graduated from Hingham High School (class of 1966), later attended Harquem Junior College in Brenmar, Pennsylvania, and Gorham State College in Maine. She earned her degree in early childhood education and moved to Claremont, NH and taught for several years in the nearby town of Cornish, NH. Lexi met her husband Richard Aiken over a shared love of playing the accordion, frequent visits to her family’s lake property in Maine and also the Aiken property on Great Island of Lake Sunapee. Lexi worked over 18 years at the Dartmouth Woolen Mill in Claremont, NH, dispatched part time for ABC taxi in Claremont, NH, helped with managing the family dairy goat farm, Doe’s Eat Oats Dairy for 10 years, and most recently McDonalds prior to retiring due to her health. Lexi loved a good surprise, and her family loved nothing more than seeing her light up over an adventure or excitement of something fun about to happen. Whether it be a surprise birthday celebration, a spontaneous adventure out to lunch, a trip to Hingham to celebrate her 50th class reunion, or spending time with her family, she was always up for something fun. Lexi never worried or wasted a chance to find the joy in life. She gave the best advice and with a simple comment she could light up your day and ease any worries. Those who knew Lexi would agree that she was one of the toughest, most stubborn people, and the most likely to have been born with nine lives. In her 60’s she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through complications with treatment, her heart stopped on her 62nd birthday. As Lexi would say, “Died and came back to life.” It was a long road, yet she beat the odds and made close to a full recovery. A few years later she was diagnosed with a rare uterine cancer. The only answer Lexi had to that news was that she would beat it, and that’s exactly what she did. Within the last year, she suffered from health complications that ultimately won the battle but not without a fight. She was diagnosed with a blood infection and needed a risky surgery, with a 90% fatality rate. Lexi’s response was “Well there’s no other choice so let’s do it.” She made it through and toughed it out for 8 months and ultimately was ready to say farewell. Despite everything Lexi had gone through she always had a way of remaining positive and was an inspiration to all. Lexi will be deeply missed, and words will never describe the ache left in those who loved her. She was adored by the community and her children’s friends lovingly called her mom. Lexi’s family would like to thank all those who loved and stood by them throughout the years, especially her cousin Mileva and the Loo family. Calling hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, NH on Saturday, December 9th from 10-11AM with a prayer service at 11AM. A committal service to follow at St. Mary Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the Charlestown Senior Center. In honor of Lexi, please complete an act of kindness or make somebody’s day special. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.