Author: Canaan Town Library

Leon E. Armstrong

From the January 14, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Leon E. Armstrong, 81, of Enfield, died on Friday morning, January 4, 2002, at his home. He was born in Stark, NH on August 29, 1920 a son of George and Hattie (Abbott) Armstrong. He grew up in Percy, NH and attended schools in Conway. He enlisted in the US Army during WWII serving in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre. Following discharge he moved to the Upper Valley in 1946. He was a life member of the American Legion in Lebanon and Newport, NH. He served as a Grafton County Deputy Sheriff and was a part-time police officer for the town of Enfield. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading Westerns and was known for his kindness and the help he often gave to many elderly people.

He is survived by his fiancee Pat Boucher of Enfield and was predeceased by a brother, James Armstrong. At his request there will be no services. Burial will be in the Conway Village Cemetery at a later date. Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Inez M. Cushman Colby

From the October 1, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Inez M. (Wright) Cushman Colby, 81, of Lebanon, NH and former longtime resident of Canaan, NH died Saturday, September 22, 2001 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Riley, OR. She was born in Warren, NH January 15, 1920, one of 13 children of the late Arthur G. & Nancy V. (Flanders) Wright. Mrs. Cushman Colby will be remembered by her family and friends as a gracious lady who was full of good works. She was a devoted mother and wife and she was steadfastly loyal and caring for her many friends. Inez’s cooking was legendary and her love of children and animals boundless…especially her Daschund Penny.

She graduated from Canaan High School and trained with the US Navy WAVES where she served as a nurse at Chelsea Naval Hospital during WWII. After the war, she provided private nursing care. For many years, Mrs. Cushman Colby was the Canaan Town Clerk and Tax Collector and a Justice of the Peace.

Inez assumed leadership roles in many organizations. She was Past Matron and 52-year member of the Summit Chapter #56 Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Weld-Webster Post #55 of the American Legion; the American Legion Auxiliary; the Canaan United Methodist Church; the Canaan FAST Squad; Mascoma Valley Women’s Club; the PTA; Dollars for Scholars; and both the NH Town Clerks Assoc. and Tax Collectors Assoc. She was a 50-year member of the Grange and an honorary member of Kimball Chapter #38 Order of the Eastern Star in Enfield. She was also a volunteer for Alice Peck Day Hospital Auxiliary and Grafton County Senior Citizens Council.

She married Philip G. Cushman in 1949 and the couple settled in Canaan. Mr. Cushman died in 1961. She is survived by her husband, Clyde Colby of Lebanon, NH whom she married in 1982; her daughter, Barbara Baker, her son David Cushman and his wife Carole, her grandchildren Samantha Baker, Damien Cushman, and Bridget Cushman, all of Canaan, NH; her stepdaughter Carol Peck of Avon, MA; her sisters Vernie Flagg of N. Kingstown, RI, Eleanor Garland of Brockton, MA and Lula Conrey of Mont Vernon, NH; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Calling hours were held at the Masonic Lodge in Canaan, NH Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. Mrs. Cushman Colby’s life was celebrated at a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 29th at 4 p.m. at the Canaan Methodist Church with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Cushman Colby may be made to the Canaan United Methodist Church, the Summit Chapter #56 Order of the Eastern Star, or the Weld Webster Post #55 American Legion, all of Canaan, NH.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon, NH.

Ruth Holt Hadley

From the December 3, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Ruth Holt Hadley, 96, of Enfield died on November 22, 2001 at the Genesis Eldercare Center in Lebanon. She was born on November 10, 1905 a daughter of Clinton Howard Holt and Ida May (Ames) Holt. She grew up in Milford and Amherst, NH and graduated from Keene State College in 1926 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. She returned to Amherst where she taught high school. On June 26, 1937 she married Harold Hadley, they moved to Hanover, NH where they made their home for 23 years. They later moved to Mascoma Lake in Enfield. Mr. Hadley died in 1964. Mrs. Hadley was a dedicated teacher for 40 years. She taught in Whitefield, Woodsville and Orford where she served as principal and later at Lebanon Junior High School for 23 years retiring in 1971. She was an 80 year member of the Grafton Star Grange #60 in Hanover and a member of the Hartford Emblem Club #150, and the Mascoma Valley Retired Educators.

She is survived by a son Robert W.H. Hadley of Duxbury, MA, a sister Barbara Kuligren of Woodenville, WA, 2 granddaughters, 5 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 3 brothers; William, Herbert, and Donald Holt, and a sister Gertrude Benotti.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Monday afternoon from 2-4 and in the evening from 7-9 pm. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church in Lebanon with the Rev. Richard N. Slater officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Lebanon Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Fund c/o Raymond Plante, 15 Dana St, W. Lebanon, NH 03784.

Elizabeth Ellen Cattabriga

From the September 10, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Elizabeth Ellen Cattabriga, 85, died Tuesday morning September 4, 2001 at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill. She was born in White River Jct., VT October 26, 1915, a daughter of the late Fred & Agnes (Woodward) Cobb. She was married August 21, 1935 to Carl Cattabriga and they made their home in Bellows Falls, VT until 1946 when they came to Enfield, NH where she helped to run the C.P. Cattabriga Inc. Oil Company with her husband for many years. Mr. Cattabriga died in 1987. Elizabeth was an active member of St. Helena’s Parish of Enfield and the Catholic Daughters. She also was active with the Girls Scouts and served on the Enfield Budget Committee. She enjoyed quilting and knitting and was a member of the Cardigan Mountain Knitters.

She was predeceased by her husband Carl Cattabriga in 1987; and 2 brothers: William & Charles Cobb.

She is survived by 1 son: Jon Cattabriga of Enfield, NH; 2 daughters: Carol Ann Keating of Enfield, NH and Nancy Holland of Yonkers, NY; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-granchildren; 1 great-great-granchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, Rte 4, Enfield, NH Friday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in St. Helena’s Church of Enfield with the Rev. Paul Rainville M.S. officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Elizabeth be made to: The Enfield Public Library or to: The Enfield F.A.S.T. Squad.

George W. Morse

From the September 17, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–George W. Morse, 81, died Tuesday September 11, 2001 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in White River Jct., VT following a long illness. He was born in Andover, MA October 12, 1919, a son of the late Harry L. & Ruby (Colbuni) Morse. A lifelong resident of Canaan, NH he was a graduate of Canaan High School – Class of 1937. He served 26 years in the United States Air Force. During WWII he served as a B-17 bomber pilot in the European Theatre where he was shot down and became a Prisoner of War in Germany until being liberated at the end of the war. He later was employed as an EPO Mail Carrier in Canaan for 15 years. Following his retirement in 1988 he delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. George was a longtime member of the Canaan Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Humanitarian Award. He was also a member of the American Legion Post of Canaan; had served for 2 terms on the Canaan Board of Selectmen; and enjoyed gardening.

He leaves his wife Irene J. (Roullier) Morse of Canaan whom he married in 1963; and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by a brother Richard Morse and a sister Katherine Follansbee.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside Committal Services will be held Saturday Sept. 22nd at 11 a.m. at the Canaan Street Cemetery in Canaan, NH. The Rev. Gail Dimick will officiate along with members of the American Legion Post of Canaan.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Mascoma Senior Center, Church St., Canaan, NH 03741 or to: The Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, NH 03756.

The Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Donna Rae Moore

From the August 13, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

N. Providence, RI–She leaves her husband: John F. Moore of Canaan, NH; her mother: Alice (Castro) Bociek of Central Falls, RI; a daughter: Roberta “Misti” Rose of N. Providence, RI; a son: Donti Rosciti of Cranston, RI; a sister: Roberta Corsi of Pawtucket, RI; two brothers: Alfred Benoit Jr. of N. Providence, RI and Allen Benoit of Riverside, RI; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There were no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday morning at 10 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Church in Canaan. The Rev. Paul Rainville M.S. officiated. Burial followed in the Canaan Street Cemetery.

The family requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her memory be made to: The Canaan F.A.S.T. Squad, Canaan, NH 03741; or to The Visiting Nurse Alliance of VT & NH (VNA/VNH), or Hospice of the Upper Valley, both at 325 Mt. Support Rd., Lebanon, NH 03766.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield, NH.

Thomas O. Ireton

From the September 10, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Thomas G. Ireton, 72, of Canaan died on Wednesday evening at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. He was born in New York, NY on April 21, 1929 a son of John and Caroline (Brinkmann) Ireton. He came to Canaan at the age of 2 where he grew up and attended schools. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1947 during WWII and remained with the Air Force until his discharge in 1961 as a Staff Sergeant. Following discharge he moved to Fairfield, CA where he owned and operated automobile service stations and repair shops. In 1972 he moved back to Canaan and was married to Judy Arnold on Nov. 11, 1972. He has been self employed in this area operating Ireton Construction and Tom’s Used Cars in Canaan. He served as road agent and several terms as a selectman for the town of Canaan. He was a member of the Canaan arid Fairfield, CA Lions Clubs and held his private pilots license. While in California he flew with the Solano County Sheriff’s Department search and rescue air squadron. He enjoyed traveling, camping, town and national politics, and wintering in Inverness, FL.

He is survived by his wife Judy Ireton of Canaan, 2 sons Lanny Thomas Ireton of Benicia, CA, Terry Lynn Ireton of Vacaville, CA, a brother John Ireton of Canaan, a sister Louise Poell of Concord, NH, 3 grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield on Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Canaan Methodist Church in Canaan. Burial will be at a later date in the Sawyer Hill Cemetery in Canaan. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Canaan Senior Center, Church St., Canaan, NH 03741.

Frances B. “Frank” Moeschen

From the July 16, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Frances B. “Frank” Moeschen, 97, founder of the Moeschen Club for Boys in New York City and Camp Mascoma – a private boys camp on Crystal Lake in Enfield, passed away Tuesday evening July 10, 2001 at the Integrated Health Services nursing facility in Derry, NH. He was the beloved husband of the late Helen (Carney) Moeschen, and the father of Peter Moeschen of Enfield, NH and Long Beach, NY. He is also survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by a son, Timothy Moeschen, two brothers-George and Ray Moeschen, and a sister-Helen Cockburn.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon, NH

Barbara M. Christ

From the August 13, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Harrison, AR–Barbara M. Christ, 50, died suddenly at her home in Harrison, AR on July 30, 2001.

She was born May 19, 1951 in Manchester, NH, daughter of Margaret (Connoly) and Robert G. Bressett. She was educated in the Manchester schools and graduated from St. Anselm’s College with a B.S. RN.

She enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps becoming an anesthesiologist and was assigned to duty in Germany where she met her husband, Paul Christ.

After their retirement in 2000 they relocated to Arkansas.

Survivors include her husband, parents, sister, Ann Nistler of Sartell, MN and a niece and nephew.

Interment will be in Arkansas at later date.

Eunice F. Walker

From the August 6, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Eunice F. Walker, 76, died Monday July 30, 2001 at the Alice Peck Day Extended Care Facility in Lebanon, NH following a long illness. She was born in North Wilmot, NH January 6, 1925, a daughter of the late Warren V. and Marie(LaJoie) Sargent. She grew up in Wilmot where she was the janitor for the 7th and 8th grades of her elementary school. She graduated from Andover High School in 1943. In 1945 she was married to her husband of 52 years David W. Walker who died in 1998. They made their home in Enfield Center where Eunice was a member of the Union Church, and a member and longtime secretary of the Mont Calm Grange. She was also a member of the NH State Grange and the National Grange. She was a correspondent for 25 years for two local newspapers covering Enfield Center and later Enfield. In her earlier years she loved fishing, farming, and her gardening. She also did volunteer work by crocheting and knitting baby hats, therapy balls, robes and mittens for hospitals, nursing homes and schools, and enjoyed making toys for the Shriners.

She was predeceased by her husband, four brothers, and one sister. She leaves a son: William W. Walker of Claremont, NH; a brother, Alfred Sargent of FL; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

There were no calling hours. Funeral services were held Thursday morning at 11 am in the Ricker Funeral Home on 56 School St. in Lebanon, NH. Burial followed in the Mascoma Cemetery on Rte 4 in E. Lebanon.

Memorial contributions in the memory of Eunice may be made to the Enfield Fire Dept., or the Alice Peck Day Extended Care Facility in Lebanon.