Avis de décès de Margaret-J. Waite

FITCHBURG, Mass. - Margaret Jane Waite, 88, of Fitchburg, Mass., passed from this Earth to her Heavenly home on Thursday, November 25, 2010, in Leominster Hospital, after a short illness. Miss Waite was born on April 19, 1922, in Derby, Conn., to Harold Samuel and Ruth Catherine (French) Waite. She was raised in Weston, Vt. She came to Fitchburg, Mass., in 1936 at age 14 to live with her Uncle Frank and Aunt Rose Howe on Prichard Street. She entered the brand new Fitchburg High School that year and was a member of its first graduating class of 1940, and contributed by writing their class song. She began her life's work at Fitchburg Mutual Insurance Co. on May 5, 1941, working as a secretary for 46 years, retiring in March of 1987. Margaret was a committed member of Faith United Parish in Fitchburg, Mass., for over 60 years, where she sang in the church choir and was a volunteer for "My Father's Closet" which provided clothing for those in need. She also sang in the Fitchburg Chorale. Margaret loved flowers and gardening. She loved traveling with friends. Together with her friends, she would go on bus tours, cross country road trips, trips to Hawaii and especially loved trips to Vermont and other states to visit relatives. She was a resident of Prichard Street until February of 2009 when she moved to the Caldwell Home and became part of a small, close knit family of elderly folk with compassionate and attentive caregivers. She was a kind and gentle woman, and became endeared to most all folks she met. She will be remembered for her sweet spirit and smile, her beautiful flower garden, her quiet and yet sure faith in our Creator as her redeemer and friend. She is survived by her several cousins, nieces, nephews; her sister-in-law, Edna Waite, brother-in-law Clifford Ballou; and many close friends in the Fitchburg, Mass., area. Margaret was predeceased by her sisters, Betty Foster, Dorothy Coleman and Lucy Ballou, and her brother, Frederick Waite. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2010, in Maple Grove Cemetery, Weston, Vt., at 12:30 p.m. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be given in her memory to the Caldwell Home, 10 Prospect St., Fitchburg, MA 01420. A memorial service will be held at Faith United Parish, 820 Main St. in Fitchburg, Mass., on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. There are no calling hours. The Lavery Chartrand & Alario Funeral Home, 99 Summer St., Fitchburg, Mass., is directing the arrangements.