|
Margaret Borden "Margie" Fennell died September 21, 1994
following a long illness. Margie joined the Fellowship March 3,1986 and
was an active member until her death at the age of 83. It is my
understanding that while she was living in Lexington, MA she was
superintendent of the largest-enrollment of UU Religious Education
programs in the U.S. Margie combined a highly independent spirit,
intellectual keenness and wry sense of humor. Roderick Forsman conducted
the memorial service for her at the Gibson Center in North Conway on
October 1, 1994. She was well known and loved by a large circle of
friends outside UUFES as well.
Sylvia Rehder Witherell, beloved wife of Warren F. Witherell, died in
Concord, NH on April 26, 1996, just one day shy of her 84th birthday.
She had succumbed to pancreatic cancer. A service for the celebration of
her life was held on May 18, 1996 at the Chickville Church in Center
Ossipee. She had been a member of this Fellowship since March 31, 1985.
Sylvia's loving and kindly nature, her warmth of spirit and reliable
good humor remain vivid in the memories of those of us privileged to
know her. The beautiful chalice which adds significantly to our worship
services was given to the Fellowship by her family as a memorial.
Janet Parker Boyle Miller died of lymphoma cancer on November 11,
1996 at the age of 79. She was a "Founding Mother of the
Fellowship" and beloved wife of C. Russell Miller. Our Fellowship
lost a cherished friend and vibrant personality in her passing. Her
indomitable spirit and zest for life were in full display to the last. A
service for the celebration of her life was held in the North Fryeburg
Universalist Chapel on June 22, 1997, led by Roderick Forsman. The UUFES
Memorial Fund was generously given a gift of $1000 from Russell in her
memory.
Although not formally a member of UUFES, Donald W. Wilson actively
participated in the life of this religious community with his wife,
Louise. Don died November 21, 1987 in Fryeburg, ME. A memorial service
was held on November 27th at the North Fryeburg Universalist Chapel, Rod
Forsman conducting.
His widow, Louise Dickinson Wilson, died on February 26, 1999 at the
age of 93. She had been in failing health for several years. Louise was
born in Holyoke, MA on January 27, 1906. She was a graduate of Mount
Holyoke College. After receiving her Masters in Library Science degree
from New Haven State Teachers College, Louise was a librarian in the
Hartford, CT school system for many years before she and Don moved to
Sandwich, NH. They moved to Fryeburg, ME in 1982. Louise loved the small
size and intimacy of UUFES as she knew it years ago.
"Foster Wardner Gilroy, son of Wardner and Frederika Gilroy,
died at his home, June 4, 2002 after a long illness. He was born August
12, 1951 in Huntingdon, NY. After obtaining his B.A. degree from Hofstra
College, Foster earned his J.D. degree from Western New England Law
School and was a representative to the Student Bar Association. After
the death of his wife, Charlene Kemp Gilroy, he made his home with his
parents in Highland Park in Fryeburg. He is also survived by his first
wife, Linda Bauer Gilroy of Melville, NY" (Inclinations, July,
2002). A Service of Remembrance was held at the Brighton Medical Center
in Portland, ME on 10/29/02, conducted by Roderick Forsman. Foster's
father was receiving rehabilitation services at the Center for injuries
suffered in a fall several months earlier.
The courageous life of Peggy Erskine ended July 13, 2001. A Memorial
Service to celebrate her life was held at Runnells Hall on July 17th,
presided over by Rev. Dan Schatz. Many of Peggy's "friends and
family members delivered moving tributes to the indomitable spirit of a
woman who faced multiple challenges throughout her life, whose curiosity
and intellect were boundless, and whose concern for others shone
through, despite her own suffering. How fitting it is that UUFES
President JoAnne Rainville announced at the end of the service that our
fund for those in need has been officially designated as the 'Peggy
Erskine Caring and Sharing Fund.' She will be sadly missed"
(Inclinations, August, 2001).
LaVonne Wright, beloved wife of Edward Wright, died in December, 2001
as a result of a fall down a stairway at a restaurant while she and Ed
were in Rome, Italy. A memorial service conducted by Rev. Schatz at
Runnells Hall heard tributes and touching reflections from Ed and their
two sons and one daughter. LaVonne will be remembered, in part, for her
gentle spirit and keen intellect. Prior to her retirement, she had been
a registered nurse, a special education teacher, school psychologist,
special education director, and lawyer.
Marilyn F. "Mac" McKenna died unexpectedly at her apartment
in Hanover, NH. Mac was a Founder of this Fellowship, the third person
to sign the membership book on November 15, 1981. She had served four
terms as President, 1982-84 and 1989-91. She "retired" from
the Census Bureau and moved to Albany just months before the fledgling
Fellowship formed. Along with her leading role in UUFES activities over
several years, as well as in NH/VT District affairs, she also was active
in civic affairs, serving as town clerk, tax collector, and moderator
for Albany. Her liberal voice permeated all of these activities. At
Kendal, her assisted-living facility in Hanover, she was a highly
visible volunteer.
Previous Page
Next Page
|