BERWICK, Maine - Christine Bates, age 98 of Berwick Street, died Monday, February 14, 2005 at her residence.

She was born April 16, 1906, in Berwick, Maine, a daughter of Noah and Nettie (Toothaker) Randall. She attended Berwick schools and graduated from Sullivan High School in 1924. During her school years she worked on the family farm. Upon graduation, she left for Bermuda where she obtained a job as a waitress in the Princess Hotel. It was there that she met William E. (Bill) Bates, a native of Bermuda, who was working the hotel "circuit" as a fry cook. They married in 1933 and remained happily married for 55 years until his death in 1988.

With the birth of her son in 1937, she began her second career of mother and homemaker. She was an avid gardener and baker, and was known for her rhubarb patch, cookies, blueberry muffins, apple pies, and the zucchini relish and pear honey she put up every fall. She loved the outdoors and was very active most of her life. As a child and young woman, she skated, skied and walked briskly. When there were food stores in Berwick, she walked to town daily to shop for food. After the stores closed she continued to walk "over town" into her 90s. Asked recently why she never got her driver's license, she said she tried driving once "but couldn't manage to stay on the right side of the road."

After her husband's retirement, they traveled often, usually by bus or train. She also enjoyed corresponding with her friends and family around the world and keeping up with things by telephone. But it was her home and her family that remained the focus of her life. For 83 of her 98 years, she lived in the house that her grandfather built upon his return from the Civil War. From this house she cared for her family, tended to her husband during illness and cared for her sisters as they aged and needed her assistance.

She was a tower of strength, always helping those less fortunate then herself. As her family grew over the years, she delighted in her grandchildren and eventually her great-grandchildren. Spending time with the little ones, especially in the last year, brought her much joy. She was a lifelong member of the Berwick United Methodist Church. She and Bill worked the roast beef suppers at the church for many years. She was a member and sometime officer of the United Methodist Women and enjoyed the fellowship of the meetings. She also participated in the Farm Bureau extension program and was a friend of the library and historical society.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bill; two sisters, Agnes and Ruth; a brother, Eugene. She is survived by her son Roger of Fairfield, Pa.; three grandchildren, Kristi Shannon of St. Augustine, Fla.; Todd of North Pole, Alaska; Randall of Yarmouth, Maine; and six great- grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on April 16 in the Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick, Maine, with the Rev. Les Pettit officiating. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel.

NORTH BERWICK, Maine - Verne M. Brackett, 92, passed away January 17, 2007 at the Varney Crossing Nursing Home Facility in North Berwick after a long illness.

Born in North Berwick, Maine, he was the son of John D. and Annie Abbott Brackett. A year after his birth, the family moved to the current Brackett farm in Berwick, where he resided all of his life. A graduate of Berwick High School, he went to work for Public Service of New Hampshire, where he was employed for 44 years. He served for four years in the U.S. Army during World War II, spending the majority of his time in Calcutta, India. After completion of his military service, he came back to Berwick with his new bride, Anna Jean Swanson of Keyport, Wash. Together they raised cattle and maintained an apple orchard, where they grew apples and sold sweet cider to many of the local area residents. He was a member of the Free Masons St. Johns Lodge in South Berwick, Maine, the Berwick American Legion Post 179, and the Berwick United Methodist Church. He was a longtime member of the Berwick Fire Department, a charter member of the Shells Angels, a town selectman, and served as an interim town manager. He was always very proud to be an active participant in his community. He was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox, and his Buick convertible, which he could be seen driving with the top down in all seasons of the year.

He was predeceased by his wife, Anna Jean, in 1991; his brother, Irving in 1949, and his father, John in 1962. He is survived by a daughter, Colleen Brackett; a son, Stephen Brackett and his wife, Elaine; a grandson, Christopher John Brackett of Newmarket, N.H.; a grandson, Aaron Carter Brackett and his wife, Lien, and daughter Milana of Rollinsford, N.H.; and a niece, Dianne Price of La Pine, Ore.

There was no funeral. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick.

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine - Ruth E. Clement, 65, of Berwick Estates, and formerly of Berwick, died Nov. 17, 2007 at Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover following a short illness.

She was born in Rochester, N.H., on Dec. 13, 1941, the daughter of Willis and Constance (Fleming) Holt. Ruth grew up in Berwick, a town she loved. For many years, she was employed as a stitcher at the former Somersworth Shoe Company. She was a member of the Berwick United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed volunteering her time assisting with church suppers. She enjoyed music, television, attending plays and concerts, and gardening. She was especially fond of her rose bushes. Ruth was a long time member of the "Coffee Break Wednesday" social group. She eagerly looked forward to this weekly event.

Survivors include her two sons, Dwayne Clement and his wife, Sandra, of North Berwick, and William Clement and his wife, Cathy, of Berwick; three daughters, Darlene Clement and her husband, Richard Hebert, of Barrington, N.H., Ann Surette and her husband, Kyle, of Berwick, Kimberly Kelly and her husband, Tom, of Lansing, Mich.; four grandchildren, Jamie, Justin, Katy Clements, and Amanda Surette.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at the Berwick United Methodist Church with the Rev. Les Pettit, officiating. Spring burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick, where she will be interred alongside her parents. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in her memory to Hyder Family Hospice House, c/o Seacoast Hospice, 10 Hampton Road, Exeter, NH 03833. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel.

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine - Margaret Ina Emery of South Berwick, Maine, died after a short stay at the Mark Wentworth Home, in Portsmouth, N.H., on Friday, June 11, 2004.

Ina was born on Oct. 1, 1904, in Worcester, Vt., the youngest child of Charles Dodge and Sarah Herron who were early farmers in Worcester for many years. Ina lived a happy childhood on the farm with numerous brothers and sisters around and attending local schools and graduating from Worcester High School. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Vermont State Department of Agriculture, retiring in 1963.In 1920, she was married to Ronald Demell. She gave birth to her first daughter, Laura in 1922. Her second daughter, Margaret "Peg," was born in 1923. They lived for many years in Montpelier. She was predeceased by Ronald in 1952. In 1954, Ina married William Emery, who also worked at the Vermont Department of Agriculture. Together, after retirement, they traveled around every state in the United States. She was predeceased by William in 1968.For many years, Ina was the organist in the Methodist Church in Worcester, Vt.In 1985, Ina moved to South Berwick to live with her daughter, Laura. At the age of 86, she found great joy in watercolor painting and produced a prolific number of beautiful paintings over a 12-year period. She also became a member of the United Methodist Church in Berwick, acting as President of the Berwick United Methodist Women. Throughout her long life, Ina loved the out of doors and never tired of walking and exploring nature and working in her beautiful garden.

Ina is survived by her daughter, Laura; six grandchildren, Joanna Carey and Christopher Briggs of Northampton, Mass.; Margaret Carey of South Berwick; Ellen Clark and her husband, Tom, of Dover, N.H.; John Carey and his wife, Barbara, of York; Christopher Carey of Somersworth, N.H.; and Ann Carey Sinden and her husband, Gary, of Eliot; eight great-grandchildren, Scott Carey, Benjamin Clark, Jacob Carey-Rand, Liam Carey-Rand, Matthew Carey, Hana Carey, Nathan Sinden and Emma Sinden.

The funeral service was held June 14 at the Berwick United Methodist Church. Interment was in Montpelier, Vt. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick.

BERWICK, Maine - Edris A. Fall, 97, of Pine Hill Road, died on Monday, March 17, 2003, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.

She was born on Aug. 9, 1905, in Sackzille, New Brunswick, Canada, a daughter of George and Bertha (Dorey) Pond. Her mother passed away when she was a young girl. She came to live in Berwick when she was adopted by Everett Yeats and resided here for the remainder of her life. She attended Berwick schools and graduated from Sullivan High School in Berwick, Class of 1925. Mrs. Fall worked for Somersworth Shoe, where she performed clerical tasks for the company. She worked until she was 69 years old and remained active and lived alone until her death. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and enjoyed writing letters to her family and friends. People often joked she kept the Post Office in business. She played the piano, did needlework and loved her cats. She was very proud of her family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Chesley Fall; and a daughter, Lorraine Stanley. Mrs. Fall is survived by a daughter, Margaret C. Burgess of Berwick, Maine; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

An hour of visitation was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 21 followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, 36 Rochester St., Berwick, with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick.

BERWICK, Maine - Arline G. Ferm, 91, of Berwick, Maine, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2004, at Rochester Manor in Rochester, N.H.

She was born in Sterling, Conn., on July 2, 1913, a daughter of George and Nellie (Brown) Gallup. She moved to Maine in 1921. She graduated from Berwick High School in 1931. She married Thure A. Ferm on Dec. 25, 1935, and was married for 60 years. They lived on Knox Lane in Berwick for many years. She was employed by the Berwick Schools as a secretary for 10 years. For most of her life, she was a homemaker. She was a member of the Eastern Star of South Berwick. She was also a very active member of the Methodist Church of Berwick in the Gleaners Group. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, and spending time with her loving family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thure A. Ferm; two brothers, Paul and Harold Gallup; and a grandson, Alexander Ferm. She is survived by a son, Robert Ferm and his wife, Janet, of Manchester, Mass.; a daughter, Carol Broadbent and her husband, Richard, of West Lebanon; and five grandchildren, Lindsey Ferm, Erik Ferm, Leslie Broadbent, Craig Broadbent and his wife, Bethany, and Victoria Ingersoll and her husband, Peter.

Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at the Berwick United Methodist Church. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick.

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

BERWICK, Maine - Florence J. (Jenkinson) Frost, formerly of 118 School St., died March 13, 2007, at the Langdon Place in Dover, N.H., after a brief illness.

She was born in Liverpool, England, and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine Ann (Hughes) Jenkinson. She graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with her bachelor's degree in English and later went on to attend Boston University, where she earned her master's degree in education. She began her teaching career at York High School, where she taught English. She moved on to teach English at Noble High School for a time during the 1970s and as she had a love for books, soon became the head librarian at Noble High School, until her retirement in 1995. As a longtime resident of Berwick, she continued to give to the community following her retirement. She served as long time secretary for the Berwick Historical Society. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma honorary teacher's society and was also involved with the Gleaners. She was a member of the Eastern Star, where she volunteered at many of their functions. She was an involved member of the Berwick Methodist Church and enjoyed helping out with their many events. She was a wonderful woman who had a love for gardening and was an avid reader. She will be remembered as a dedicated mother, grandmother and friend.

Members of her family include her daughter, Catherine Gonthier and her husband, Steve, of New Durham, N.H.; her sister, Hilda Jenkinson of North Chelmsford, Mass.; her grandchildren, Mike Gonthier of Berwick and Heather Donahue and her husband, Leo, of Alton, N.H.

Calling hours were held March 15 at the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester, N.H. A funeral service was held Friday, March 16 in the Chapel of the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick.

BERWICK, Maine - Edwin V. George, 84, of Berry Street died Friday, April 11, 2003, at the Sanford Health Care Facility in Sanford after a lengthy illness. He was the widower of Gertrude (Eccelston) George who died in 2000.

Mr. George was born in New Bedford, Mass., on Sept 2, 1918, a son of Manuel and Emma Vital George. He grew up in Fairhaven, Mass. He was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and the New Bedford Textile School in New Bedford. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served as a Motor Machinist Mate. Following the war, he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery as a management analyst. He was employed by SEACORE. Mr. George was a member of the United Methodist Church of Berwick. An active Mason being a member and Past Master of St. Johns Lodge #51 A.F. & A.M. of South Berwick. He was a member of all Scottish Rite Bodies and a member of the Maine Consistory Valley of Portland 32. He was a member of Kora Shrine of Lewiston and a member of the York County Shrine Club. He also served as Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Maine. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10989 and the Charles S. Hatch Post 79 American Legion of Berwick.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gertrude; and a sister, Helen Rodrigues. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Keith (Leslie) Hunt of Monmouth, Maine, and Mrs. Paula Bandouveres of Florence, Mass.; and four grandchildren.

Calling hours were held at the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick April 16 followed by Masonic memorial service and the funeral service with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick.

ALTON - Elsie M. Hallam, 84, of Alton, peacefully passed away on Oct. 12, 2005, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth.

Born on April 25, 1921, in Somersworth, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Margueritte Taylor Freethy, formerly of Somersworth.

She graduated from Somersworth High School, Plymouth Teachers College, Plymouth, N.H., and Columbia University in New York. She taught business for many years at the former Robinson Seminary for girls in Exeter, then at Exeter High School, becoming head of the business department. After many years of dedication to her profession, she retired from Exeter High School. She was a devoted and active member of organizations dear to her heart for many years, giving much of her time to community service. A member of the Somersworth Grange 264 for 69 years, she had been Master for several years, held several offices, held the Granger of the Year Award and was a leader on the Education Committee for the State, plus an active member in Eastern N.H. Pomona. She wrote the newsletter for more than 10 years and made many walker bags and shawls for donations. She was very active in the Littlefield Woman's Relief Corp 57 of Somersworth, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, giving many years of loving dedication to their many projects and services. She held many offices including Past Treasurer; Past Deputy President of N.H. 1980-1982; Past National President 1993-1995; conducted activities for the National Southern Memorial Committee for five years and was the Deputy Treasurer/Assistant Secretary for the past nine years. A member of the Methodist Church in Berwick, Maine, for many years, she loved making many aprons and other handmade items each year for their Christmas bazaars and helping with their many suppers. She was an active member of Business Professional Women's Club for more than 20 years, holding minor offices but preferring to perform her work and contributions behind the scenes. All who knew and loved her admired her strength, dedication and determination to achieve her many goals, doing so in the most proper manner. She loved her country and always had the American flag proudly displayed outside her home. She is survived by her loving husband of 10 years, John Hallam of Alton; stepdaughters, Dorothy Keene Williams of North Hampton, Priscilla Keene Nickerson of Durham, and Margery Hallam Reed of Nashua; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her former husbands, Paul M. Keene and Willis Gould, Sr. She was also predeceased by her stepson, Willis Gould, Jr.

A memorial service was held Oct. 22 at the Berwick United Methodist Church with the Rev. Les Pettit. Interment was at Exeter Cemetery in Exeter, N.H. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick.

BERWICK, Maine - Ruth Clement Joy, 87, of School Street, died Monday, May 28, 2007, at Dover Rehabilitation in Dover, N.H.

She was born April 22, 1920, in Hudson, Mass., a daughter of Harold and Dora Morrill Varney. She married John H. Clement in 1937 and celebrated 33 wonderful years with him until his death in 1970. In 1972, she married Ralph "Chet" Joy, a longtime friend, and enjoyed 17 years with Chet, until his death in 1989. She was a telephone operator for New England Telephone Company for many years, but she was most proud of her accomplishments as a homemaker. She was happiest in the kitchen cooking for her family or in the garden tending the vegetables and the flowers. She loved her family and enjoyed the time spent visiting with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was also very involved with her church and was a member of the Gleaners of the United Methodist Church in Berwick.

She was predeceased by her two husbands; her brother, Robert Varney in 1998; and her stepdaughter, Audrey Melonson. She is survived by her son, Roger and Betty Clement; daughter, Carolyn and Ronald "Pat" Carignan; six grandchildren, Dwayne and wife, Sandra Clement of North Berwick, Darlene Clement and her companion, Dick Hebert of Barrington, N.H., William Clement and wife, Catherine, of Berwick, Anne Surrette and husband, Kyle, of Berwick, Kimberly Kelly and husband, Thomas, of Lansing, Mich., and John T. Carignan of Berwick; granddaughter-in-law, Tammi Carignan and her mom, Sharon Williams; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Ellie Borst of Hebron, Conn., and Marilyn "Tildie" Wentworth of Berwick. She is also survived by her second loving family, stepchildren, Clayton and Justine Joy of Jacksonville, Fla., Barbara and William Hersom of Rochester, N.H., Cheryl Tessier of Barrington, Gerald and Maria Joy of Berwick, and Dana and Rachael Joy of Rochester; 21 stepgrandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held June 13 at The United Methodist Church in Berwick with the Rev. Les Pettit. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery in Berwick. Arrangements by Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick, Maine.

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

DAMARISCOTTA, Maine - Miriam Hurd Kimball, 94, a resident of Salt Bay Drive, Damariscotta, formerly of Berwick, Maine, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at the Fieldcrest Manor Nursing Home, Waldoboro, Maine.

She was born in Berwick on July 29, 1909, the daughter of Charles H. and Jessie Libby Hurd. She graduated from Sullivan High School in Berwick, Class of 1926 and also graduated from Maine School of Commerce in Portland in 1928. She taught commercial education from 1928 through 1934 at the Williams High School in Oakland, Maine. She was married to Maurice B. Kimball on Aug. 9, 1934, and he died on April 21, 1972. She worked for the town of Berwick as secretary-bookkeeper, assistant treasurer and deputy tax collector. She also worked at the Berwick Water Department from September 1952 to December 1972. She was a longtime member of the Berwick United Methodist Church, where she served as treasurer for 10 years and a trustee for more than three years, a member of the United Methodist Women, where she served as treasurer for 10 years and secretary for nine years and a member of the DAR. She also was a secretary of the planning committee for the 250th celebration of becoming the ninth town of the state. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her brother, Leslie Hurd; and her sister, Helen Guy. She is survived by her son, Blaine Kimball of Jefferson, Maine; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 20, at the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick, Maine, with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick. Arrangements by the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick.

BERWICK, Maine - Manuel J. "Manny" King, 81, a resident of Guinea Road, Berwick, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass.

He was born in Cambridge, Mass., on July 8,1922, son of Manuel J. and Elvira Cabral King. He attended Berwick High School. He was a WWII veteran and served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed by the Prime Tanning of Berwick for 33 years, then worked for the State of Maine as head of maintenance at the rest area in Kittery for 10 years. He was involved in many of the town's activities and he also was involved in the starting of Camp Waban in North Berwick. He was former member of the Berwick Fire Department for 17 years, retiring as First Lieutenant. He was very active in the Berwick United Methodist Church and also a member of the American Legion Post No. 79 of Berwick. He enjoyed woodworking.

He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Carlotta King, who died in 1992 and also predeceased by 13 brothers and sisters. He is survived by two daughters, Diane and her husband Greg Hodsdon of Berwick and Susan King of Berwick; two grandchildren, Jennifer and her husband Donald Abbott of Berwick; and Lauren and her husband Keith Adams of Dover, N.H.; one very special great-grandchild Devin, of Berwick; two brothers-in-law, David and Walter Morrison; two sisters-in-law, Joyce and Kathleen Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours were held Oct. 9 at the Laing‚Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick. An American Legion service was held at 7 p.m. Funeral services were held Oct. 10, at the Berwick United Methodist Church with Dr. Peggy Dunn. Interment was in Forest Glade Cemetery, Somersworth, N.H.

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine ó Carolyn G. (Leach) Lawrence, 77, a resident of Witchtrot Road, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at her home.

She was born in Berwick on Oct. 17, 1925, a daughter of Henry E. and Elizabeth E. Schulmaier Leach. She graduated from Berwick High School, Class of 1943, and from the University of New Hampshire with a master's degree in science. She was a bacteriologist for several hospitals for 30 years, mostly in Dover, N.H., and Portsmouth, N.H. She was past president of the N.H. Society of Medical Technologists. She was a 70-year member of the Berwick United Methodist Church, where she was a trustee for over 10 years, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of South Berwick. She enjoyed weaving and knitting.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Philip C. Lawrence of South Berwick; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours were held July 30 at the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick. Funeral services were held on July 31 at the Berwick United Methodist Church, Berwick, with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick.

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

BERWICK, Maine - Daniel Colby Mitchell Sr., 77, of 25 Mitchell Lane, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Rochester, N.H., June 16, 1927, the son of William and Dorothy (Hurd) Mitchell. He graduated from Berwick High School. He joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Princeton. After the service, he worked for Public Service of New Hampshire as an electrician for 34 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Berwick United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post #79, and a 38-year-member of the Somersworth Grange #264. He enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the Seacoast Regional Square Dance Club. He also enjoyed working on his farm with his John Deere tractor and working with his Belgian Horse, Spike. Dan also enjoyed camping and making baskets.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shirley (St. Hillaire) Mitchell; two sons, Daniel C. Mitchell, Jr. of Berwick and Paul C. Mitchell of Reading, Mass.; six daughters, Karen Ramacorti of Reading, Mass., Melanie S. Small of Litchfield, Me., Kathy Boucher of Lebanon, Me., Mary Ellen Foss of Ocala, Fla., Patricia J. Foss of Berwick, Me., and Audrey K. Foss also of Berwick, Maine; three sisters, Dorothy Going, Barbara Gordon and Nancy Madore, all of Arundel, Maine; 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Vernon Lucas.

Calling hours were held Jan. 18 at the Tasker Funeral Home in Dover. A funeral service was held Jan. 19 at the Berwick United Methodist Church. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick.

BERWICK, Maine ó Walter Osgood of Berwick, Maine, passed from this life to the next in July 2007 at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, Maine, after a long struggle with his health.

He was born, June 20, 1920, a son of Raymond and Stella (Peck) Osgood and grew up in Danville, Vt. He graduated from Vermont Technical College in Randolph, Vt., before moving to Dover, N.H., where he met and married his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Lord. He joined the U.S. Army, served his country during World War II in the South Pacific, and was founder and proud member of the 476th Harbor Craft survivors. He completed the apprenticeship program at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a machinist. In 1947, he went to work for General Electric Co. in Somersworth, N.H., as their first machinist/set up man. Over the years he took more courses and worked up to foreman and Manufacturing Engineer, retirement in 1973 due to poor health. He was one of the founders of the G.E. Credit Union and the GEEA. Walt and his family moved to Berwick in the 1950s, and he became very active in the community. He served as a fireman, was elected to the Board of Selectman and was Berwick's first volunteer police chief. He was a member of the American Legion of Berwick, a past master of the St. John's A.F. & A.M. of South Berwick, Maine, a member of the Sarah Orne Jewett Chapter 176, Order of Eastern Star of South Berwick, St. Amand Commandery No. 20 Knights Templar of Saco, Maine, The Kora Shriners of Lewiston, Maine. He was an active member of the Berwick United Methodist Church, serving on several committees during his 60 years of membership.

He leaves his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth "Betty" (Lord) Osgood; two daughters, Glenda Gallant of Berwick and Janice Nichols and her husband, Robert, of Eliot. Maine; two sons, Jerald and his wife, Linda Osgood of Manassas, Va., and Harry and his wife, Anne Osgood of North Berwick; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. He was well known in the area, was loved by his family and friends, and well respected by all who knew him. He will be missed. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Stella Osgood; a sister, Glenda and a brother, Harold.

A funeral was held July 9 at the Berwick United Methodist Church in Berwick, Maine. Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick.

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick

DOVER - Velna G. Sillon, 83, of Berwick, Maine, died Monday, Oct. 1, 2004, at the Riverside Rest Home in Dover, N.H. after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Berwick, Maine on Oct. 4, 1920, the daughter of Raymond S. and Helen H. Hurd Guy. She attended Berwick schools and graduated from Berwick High School. She worked as a key punch operator at General Electric in Somersworth and was a member of the United Methodist Church of Berwick.

Her husband, Harland G. Sillon, died in 1981. She is survived by her son, Dennis Sillon, of Shapleigh, Maine; her daughter, Donna Hackerott, of Keene; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours were Oct. 3 at the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick, where a funeral service was held on Oct. 4. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Berwick.

SOMERSWORTH - Isabel G. Turcotte, 92, formerly of 4 Walcott St., died Sunday, June 29, 2003, at the St. Annís Healthcare Center in Dover, after a period of failing health.

She was born in North Berwick, Maine, on Aug. 2, 1910, the daughter of Arthur and Katie (Day) Randall. She attended school in North Berwick and had resided there until moving to Somersworth in 1929. She was a homemaker, raising 12 children. She enjoyed knitting, was an excellent cook and was an avid fan of Boston sports teams.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dona Turcotte, in 1967; a son, Donald Turcotte, in 1948; a daughter, Jeanette Bickford, in 1969; two grandsons, Shawn Turcotte and Bruce Bickford; and a great-grandson, Alex Robidas. Survivors include six sons, Richard and his wife, Shirley Turcotte of Dover; Martin and his wife, Dorothy Turcotte of Berwick, Maine; Philip and his wife, Jane Turcotte of Somersworth; Edmond and his wife, Mary Lou Turcotte of South Berwick, Maine; Roland "Pete" and his wife, Donna Turcotte of Somersworth; and Norman and his wife, Melina Turcotte of Farmington; four daughters, Anita Hjort of New Sharon, Maine; Diane McCarthy and her husband, Jack of Santa Fe, N.M.; Priscilla and her husband, Jerry Thibodeau of Manchester; and Kay and her husband, Bruce Ricker of Barrington; 38 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Floyd Randall of Wells, Maine; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours were July 1 at the Roberge Funeral Home, 298 High St., Somersworth. Funeral services were held July 2 at the Berwick United Methodist Church with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Somersworth.

BERWICK, Maine - Amelia Etta (Poole) Willey, 92, of Berwick, died on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, at her home.

Born in Kennebunkport on Oct. 12, 1910, she was the daughter of Carl and Elizabeth (Hagar) Pool. She came to Berwick as a foster child to William and Minnie Brooks. She attended Berwick schools and graduated from Sullivan in 1927, the year it burned. She also attended Gorham Normal School and went on to teach for two years at Cranberry Meadow School. Mrs. Willey was an active part of her community, taking part in many organizations and activities. She enjoyed her membership with the Berwick United Methodist Church for nearly 80 years. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son, Melvin L. Willey and his wife, Sandra of Berwick; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Alvy M. Willey Sr., who died in 1968; a son, Alvy M. Willey Jr.; and a daughter, Alayne Jones.

A celebration of her life was held on Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Berwick United Methodist Church. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick. Arrangements were entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery.

The Berwick United Methodist Church has established the Amelia Willey Endowment Fund in her honor.

NORTH BERWICK, Maine -- Walter T. Worster, 99, a resident of Diamond Hill Road, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, at his home after a long illness.

He was born in Berwick on Nov. 20, 1904, a son of Olin J. and Minnie M. (Smith) Worster, and graduated from Berwick High School, the class of 1923. He was employed by Champlain's Pine Company in Rochester, N.H., for over 20 years and by the Great Falls Bleachery Company of Somersworth, N.H., for 11 years, retiring in 1968. In the late 1920s, Walter played the drums at the KP Hall in Berwick until 1935. He also played with the Triumph Drum Corps of Berwick for several years when the town of Berwick bought the Triumph Fire Engine. The truck still participates in parades. Walter loved the animals where he had a farm until his 80s. He was a member of the Berwick Methodist Church where he sang in the choir group for many years.

He was predeceased by his wife Grayce M. Austin Worster and his son George O. Worster, three brothers and six sisters. He is survived by two daughters, Esther M. Morrow of Berwick and Gladys E. Petty of North Berwick, 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Services were held on Dec. 29 at the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick, with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Interment was at New Town Cemetery in Rollinsford, N.H. Arrangements by the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Ellen G. Wyman, 81, a resident of Oak Tree Lane, Louisville, formerly of Berwick, Maine, died Sunday June 8, 2003 at her home. She was the widow of Thomas N. Wyman who died in 2000.

She was born in Berwick, Maine, on July 27, 1921, a daughter of Clement and Grace E. (Brown) Ham. She attended Berwick schools and graduated from Berwick High School. Mrs. Wyman was a shoe-worker in Somersworth for many years retiring in 1986. She was an active member of several organizations in Berwick. A member and past worthy matron of Sarah Orne Jewett Chapter Order of Eastern Star, a Princess of Arok Temple No. 94, Daughters of Nile, an active member of the Berwick United Methodist Church also with the Gleaners of the Church, Berwick Cub Scout Pack 313, American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 0079 of Berwick.

She is survived by her son Clement T. "Clem" Wyman of Louisville; two grandchildren, Crystal Kapp of Dover, N.H., and Arielle Wyman of Lexington, also survive.

The funeral service was June 13 at the Berwick United Methodist Church, with Dr. Peggy Dunn officiating. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Berwick. Arrangements by the Laing-Bibber Funeral Chapel, Berwick, Maine.