Sponsor Spotlight: Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau- Paquette Funeral Home and 603Cremations.com

Just steps from downtown Laconia on Pleasant Street sits a well-known landmark: the light-yellow Victorian hosting Wilkinson Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and 603Cremations.com. Although the building has housed the funeral home since 1921, the business itself dates back to 1860 and spans five generations. Marketing Director Chelsea Browne notes that Wilkinson Beane is now one of only a few remaining family-run funeral homes in New Hampshire.

Fourth-generation Craig Beane, who joined the funeral home in 1992, is committed to maintaining a warm, family-centered experience for every client. That philosophy includes ensuring that a staff member is available to answer calls around the clock. He believes that speaking with a knowledgeable team member right away brings comfort to grieving families—and when they visit the funeral home, they’re able to meet the same person they spoke with on the phone. Browne adds that “their dedication to staying independent and family-owned gives families confidence that” Wilkinson-Beane will continue serving the community for generations to come”.

According to Browne, COVID accelerated a shift toward online interaction within the industry, as well as a growing preference for cremation over traditional burial. She notes that “about 70% of funerals in New Hampshire now involve cremation”, a trend she believes will define the profession moving forward. To meet this need, Wilkinson-Beane launched 603Cremations.com, an online platform offering digital planning tools and price quotes. Browne also points out that Wilkinson-Beane is one of the few funeral homes in the state that owns its own crematorium.

A Laconia native, Craig Beane values giving back to the community that supported him throughout his life. He is a supporter of various Laconia sports teams and Make-A-Wish. Browne says he’s is a strong supporter of The Children’s Auction because the funds directly assist more than 60 nonprofits in the Lakes Region. For him, the goal is to make a meaningful impact locally—not simply generate recognition for the business. Beane believes that contributing to The Children’s Auction helps strengthen and uplift the community in lasting ways.

The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction extends its sincere gratitude to Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home and 603Cremations.com for their ongoing and generous support.