Shirley R. Lakin, 95, died peacefully on April 6, 2026 at Webster at Rye in Rye, NH. She was an independent spirit who delighted in many activities, among them gardening, hiking, skiing, reading, sewing and bird watching to name a few. She had a passion for the outdoors, taking every opportunity to be outside. She loved the beach and looked forward to her many times on Cape Cod, vacationing there from a young age.

Shirley grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, the only child of Beatrice and Charles O Robart. Upon graduation from Belmont High School she went on to further education and was proud to be a 1953 graduate of UNH. While there she was a Pepcat as a member the UNH cheerleading squad, and belonged to Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She was an English major and her love of books and reading encouraged her family to enjoy the same. It was there that she met and married the father of her children, John Kovalik from Berlin, NH.

She spent many years in the White Mts. of NH when her children were young, and while there she worked for WIC and Talent Search, helping high school students find financial assistance to attend college. Her love of education never left her.

She left the mountains to move to Westport, Mass. with her husband Leon Lakin. After being widowed she met interesting people as a real estate agent and lived for many years in a cottage overlooking the ocean. She loved living near the beach, and she ended up moving to coastal NH and lived in Stratham to be closer to her children and grandchildren. In Stratham she made friends, took long walks and volunteered at Sandy Point Discovery Center, helping out when needed and documenting osprey nesting habits.

She loved her 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and was happy to help out watching her grandchildren at any opportunity. She was a true New Englander, and especially appreciated living close to her family who will miss her dearly.

She leaves behind her son Dr. John Kovalik Jr. and wife Sheryl of North Conway, Pamela Kovalik Schlieper and her husband Mark of Rye, Linda Kovalik of Randolph, and Jeff and Marcia Kovalik of Newfields, all in New Hampshire. Her grandchildren Allie and Tasha Kovalik, Alex and Katerina Kovalik, Korina Schlieper Costanzo and Kiley Schlieper Biechele, and great-granddaughters Luna and Gia Costanzo will all miss her cheerful spirit.

The family would like to thank the very loving and supportive staff at Webster at Rye’s Assisted Living Center who made her time there joyous, and Beacon Hospice who was a gift to us as she ended her very full life.

There will be a private burial service in the spring. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Sandy Point Discovery Center, Stratham, NH and Harbor Foundation in support of hospice care.