Category: Uncategorized

Mary Alice (MacDonald) Obermyer

From the September 23, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Mary Alice (MacDonald) Obermyer, 92, died September 3rd, 2002 at her home on Goose Pond Rd, Canaan, NH following a short illness.

She was born on January 28, 1910 in Newton, MA, the third of five children of the late Eltie Blanche (Wallace) and Hugh Agustin MacDonald of Nova Scotia.

She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her brothers Vincent Wallace MacDonald and Hector Agustin MacDonald, her sisters Catherine Louise Higgins and Margarite Grace Sullivan, and her granddaughter Gabrielle Murphy.

She spent many of her early school age years in the care of her aunts Electa, Catherine and Jessie MacDonald in Norwood, MA. She graduated from Newton High School in 1928 and Boston City Hospital School of Nursing in 1934.

Mary Alice married Alfred A. Obermyer October 9th 1934 in Newton where they lived until their retirement. In 1970 they retired to West Canaan, NH where she hosted numerous gatherings for family and friends and left a vast store of wonderful memories. Known and loved by many as Nana, Mum, Al, Alice, Mary Alice and Obee, she will be missed, yet remembered for her sparkling eyes and laughter, her energy, compassion, courage, graciousness and motherly wisdom.

Through the years she was involved in providing healthcare to patients, friends, and relatives. She also volunteered in many community and church activities including, 4-H, Canaan Meals on Wheels and Upper Valley Hospice. She was an enthusiastic member of the Canaan chapter of TOPS and graduated in 1999 to KOPS status.

Survivors include her four children: Jean Pearson of Center Sandwich, NH; Karen Murphy of Lyme, NH; Edward (Ned) Obermyer of Vancouver, WA; Gretchen Droesch of Canterbury, CT; 13 grandchildren, 13 great-granchildren, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service of thanksgiving on September 28, 2002 at 11 am at the Methodist Church in Sandwich, NH. In lieu of flowers and by her request, donations may be made to the local chapter of Hospice.

Jane I. Gosselin

From the September 16 and 23, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Jane I. Gosselin, 75, a lifetime resident of Enfield, NH, died Thursday September 12, 2002 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born on August 7, 1927 in Claremont, NH; the daughter of the late Everett and Ida (Evans) Ibey. She married Daniel A. Gosselin in 1948 and has been widowed since his death in 1976.

Jane attended Enfield schools and graduated in 1945. Following graduation, she started her career as business administrator at the Baltic Woolen Mills in Enfield, moving from there to Sevigny Lumber Co. in Lebanon, where she was employed from 1952-1957. In 1959 she went to work for the Village Precinct of Hanover, serving as office manager for the Town of Hanover until her retirement in 1989.

Jane enjoyed reading, cooking, travel and political affairs. She was an active supporter of her church and a contributor in her community. She served on the Enfield Planning Board and filled terms as both member and chairman of the Budget Committee and as Village Precinct Clerk and Treasurer. Jane was a generous, kind and giving person who was loved by her many friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her three brothers: James E. Ibey, Francis R. Ibey and Ernest T. Ibey; and by her sister, Dorothy Stewart.

She is survived by one daughter, Susan J. Gosselin of Enfield and her fiance, Robert Bresset of Enfield and by more than 25 nieces and nephews.

There were no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday Sept. 18th at 11:00 am at the St. Helena Church in Enfield. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield, NH.

Ricker Funeral Home and Crematory of Lebanon and Enfield is in charge of arrangements.

Jean Webster

From the September 16, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Jean Webster, 80, died Sunday morning September 8th, 2002 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH following a brief illness. She was born in Hanover, NH July 16, 1922, a daughter of the late Joseph & Harried (Fidgen) Cocksedge. A lifelong resident of the Upper Valley, she grew up on Hanover, and lived most of her adult life in Canaan, NH. She had been employed at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover and later as a housekeeper at the Canaan Inn. She was a member of the Mascoma Senior Center in Canaan. Her greatest love in life was her family, and she also enjoyed reading and bingo.

She was predeceased by her husband, Carl F. Webster, Sr., who died June 27, 1983 and by one sister and seven brothers.

Survivors include two daughters: Cathlene Shattuck of Canaan, NH and Carline Proctor of Bradford, VT; two sons: Burtom “Jimmy” Johnson of Grafton, NH and Carl F. Webster, Jr. of Manchester, NH; one brother: Joseph Cocksedge of Stoneham, MA; six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home, Rte 4, in Enfield on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1 pm at the funeral home with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Canaan Street Cemetery in Canaan, NH.

Mary E. Brown

From the August 19, 20002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Mary E. Brown, 80, died Thursday August 15, 2002, a Genesis ElderCare in Lebanon, NH.

She was born in Hudson, MA on March 31, 1922, a daughter of Perley W. and Grace (Davis) Wheeler.

A longtime area resident, she was employed at Profile Skiwear for several years, and, for more than 30 years, was a manager of Beverage King in West Lebanon.

She was a member of Mascoma Valley Pomona Grange. And a seventh-degree member of Lebanon Grange No. 125, where she had held several offices, including master. She loved sewing, bingo, cooking, serving suppers at the grange, hosting card parties and the company of friends.

Survivors include five daughters: Ruth Gray and Rita Ryan both of Weirsdale, FL, Rose Welch of Heverhill, Joyce Greene of Claremont and Irene Chamberlin of Lebanon; two sons: Daniel Brown of Bennington, VT and William Brown of Enfield; five sisters, four brothers; ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. Graveside committal services were held Sunday at 1:00 pm at Glenwood Cemetery in Lebanon, with the Rev. Virginia Fryer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748-4207. Arrangements were by Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon.

Paul H. “Sausi” Sausville

From the August 12, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

North Haverill, NH–Paul H. “Sausi” Sausville, 56, formerly of Lebanon and a longtime resident at the Grafton County Nursing Home, died Tuesday morning August 6, 2002 at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, NH following a long period of failing health. He was born in Hanover, NH August 25, 1945, a son of the late Margaret (Dionne) and Roland J. “Chiddo” Sausville. A lifelong Upper Valley resident, he had worked as a truck driver for many years driving for various local companies including Charlie Kelton, Stuart Rouse and Daniels Transportation. He was also the former owner of T.J’s Market in Wilder, VT. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Lebanon Fire Dept., a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon, and had a great love of trains.

He leaves 2 daughters: Tracy Tarleton of Bridewater, VT and Jenn Sausville of West Lebanon, NH; a granddaughter: Aquene Sausville of West Lebanon; a brother: Raymond Sausville of Alexandria, VA; a cousin: Janet Avery of Cornish, NH; and 2 uncles: Edward and Ernie Dionne.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., Lebanon, NH Monday evening from 6-7 pm with funeral services following at 7 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the NH Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 27 Harvey Rd., Bedford, NH 03110.

Frances B. Moeschen

From the July 15, 2002 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, 2002 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 predeceased 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.

Glenn R. Duffin, Jr.

From the July 15, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Danbury, NH–Glenn R. Duffin, Jr., born in Spokane, WA May 11, 1954, traveled a lot as a youngster due to his stepfather being in the service. He spoke many times of his adventures in Okinawa. He ended up in Massachusetts for a few years and decided to strike out on his own. He was the fearless one climbing the roller coasters in Asbury Park, NJ to do repairs. He even met Bruce Springsteen one night walking on the beach!

He served in the US Army for a short time during the Vietnam era and then ended up in Manchester, NH working for Security Heel, while living there he met his wife of 23 years at a going-away party for a mutual friend and they became inseparable. They were married May 12, 1979 and started another adventure.

Glenn became a tractor-trailer driver for Decato Brothers in Lebanon, NH. He did that for a couple of years until exhaust fumes overcame him and he had a near fatal car crash which ended him in a coma for three days but like a trooper he overcame that problem and got a job with the State of NH Dept of Transportation, it would be the best move of his life.

He and his wife bought a home in Grafton and started a farm which lasted for 12 years at which time they began to have children. While living in Grafton he was Chairman of the Planning Board for 3 years, the Health Officer for 2 years and always on hand to troubleshoot computer problems for friends, help them haul hay or help them move. As the family got bigger and more problems arose at the farmhouse with repairs and lead paint, they moved and lived in the towns of Webster and Franklin. Finally, after 20 years of dreaming, they found their dream, a log home in Danbury, NH.

Glenn began getting promotions for the State DOT and continued his education in computers and mapping. He loved his job, always striving for better and more for his family.

He took another job working for Bob Perron at the Hill Irving Gas Station. He always had two, sometimes three jobs. He was busy, but not too busy to help someone in need. One night he came home late, he got his jack and said he had to go back to help a young couple that had a flat. He was the first to stop and help even though fifteen cars had gone by!

He leaves behind a wife, three young children and more friends than you can imagine! Maybe now you’ll get some rest, some peace. You will be greatly missed and always loved.

Glenn died June 19, 2002 in a fatal motorcycle accident, one day after his son’s 6th birthday.

Eleanor Grace Picard

From the July 15, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Eleanor G. Picard, 83, of Lebanon, died on Sunday, June 23, 2002 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. She was born in Canaan Center, NH on February 12, 1919 a daughter of August B. and Blanche S. (Butman) Neily. She attended Canaan schools and was married to Ernest “John” Picard on August 16, 1941. She worked as a Drawer in the Mascoma Mills and retired from Dartmouth Woolen as a Spooler. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon.

She is survived by her husband Ernest, three daughters: Beverly Ann Woodward of Lebanon, Mary Ann Sharpe of Hopkinton, NH, Jane Lee Winfield of Sparta, NJ; two brothers: William O. Neily and August B. Neily both of Canaan Center; a sister: Irene Dulac of Lebanon; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by brothers Wesley and Harry, and sisters Violet Field, Florence Levasque, Charlotte Neily and Caroline Woodbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday at 1 pm at the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon. Burial followed in the Valley Cemetery in Lebanon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 482, Lebanon, NH 03766.

Ricker Funeral Homes and Crematory of Lebanon was in charge of arrangements.

Daniel Isaac Quimby

From the April 22, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Daniel I. Quimby, 70, of Canaan died on Tuesday at the VA Hospital in White River Jct. He was born in Enfield on December 4, 1931 a son of the late Charles and Mabel (Austin) Quimby. He has been a lifelong resident of the Upper Valley and attended Enfield schools. He worked at the Baltic Mill in Enfield before entering the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Following discharge he returned to this area where he worked as a carpenter. He worked for several construction companies n the Upper Valley that were responsible for the Interstate 89 bridge construction.

He was a member of the Lebanon Lodge of Elks and loved farming, animals, gardening, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and the outdoors.

He is survived by a son Daniel Leslie Quimby of Canaan, a loyal friend Steven Arnold of Canaan, 3 brothers; Edward of SC, Charles of CA, Leonard of Concord, NH, 4 sisters; Gladys Quimby, Doris Verge, Alice Chadbourne, all of Lebanon, and Betty Busbee of St. Albans, VT, many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother Arthur Quimby.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home on School St. in Lebanon on Sunday evening from 7-9 pm. Funeral service were held on Monday afternoon at 2:00 at the United Methodist Church in Enfield with the Rev. Virginia Fryer officiating. Burial will be a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Enfield United Methodist Church, PO Box 463, Canaan, NH 03741

Clayton F. Bassett

From the January 28, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–Clayton F. Bassett, 40, died in a tragic accident on January 15, 2002. A much loved man who grew up in Grafton, NH. Clayton lived in Novato, CA at the time of his death. His sister-in-law Laura said “He crammed 80 years into his short 40 years of life.” He lived life as there wasn’t a tomorrow and everyday was new and exciting to him. He loved his work with a passion. Long hours and hard work paid off as he directed his company, Peak Engineering, to become an enormous success. He had great respect for all the wonderful people he worked with. His brother-in-law Jay said, “There’ll never be another man such as Clayton.” He was devoted to his wife Barbara and their two children, Danielle and Breezy. Often he would come home after 12 hours of work and still had the energy to chase the girls around the house as they squealed with delight. He also saw Barbara through a recent serious illness with a strength and warmth few people possess.

Clayton was a devoted son to John Bassett and June (Valia) Burrington, both of Grafton. His father and mother both stated that, “We could never be more proud of a son than we were of Clayton.” Clayton was predeceased by his daughter Katie in 1994 at age 11. The loss of Katie was always present and encouraged him to always strive to be his best; and he was at everything he did. Clayton also had a very special bond with his nephews, Lief and Nathan Hogue. His family in California included his Uncle Wes Bassett and his wife Carole. Clayton will also be missed by countless friends in his hometown of Grafton.

Clayton enjoyed working with his hands and gained the nickname “Tinkerbell” on the family farm because of all his tinkering. You’d think a grown man would be embarrassed of that nickname, but not Clayton, he was proud. Even at an early age people around him were amazed at what he could accomplish when he set his mind to do it. Clayton enjoyed camping, skydiving, boating and riding ATV’s. Children held a special place in Clayton’s heart, not only his own, but any he was around. Though Clayton came across as a tough construction worker his heart was on his sleeve when a child was around. Whether it be playing peek-a-boo or just wanting to cuddle, Clayton loved when children were around him and the more the better.

Clayton served 4 years in the US Army where he earned numerous commendations, recognitions and awards. He was very proud of his enlisted years and even commented recently that he would gladly fight for his country in our most recent events. Clayton graduated from Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Clayton had a very special bond with his sister, Diane (Bassett) Burrington. His nickname for her was “Ding,” which he lovingly called her into adulthood. He loved telling stories about their growing up together in rural Grafton.

A celebration of Clayton’s life will take place on Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00 pm at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin located at 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Private visitation will begin at 12:00. Immediately after, all are invited to the Bassett Family home for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clayton Bassett Memorial Fund which has been established at the First National Bank, 975 El Camino Real, S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Atten: Randy.