Mary E. Grenier

Mary E. Grenier LEMPSTER, NH –Mary E. Grenier, 81, passed from this world early Monday morning, June 26. Family members were present to love and support her as she embraced her Heavenly Father. She was at ease physically and spiritually as she made this final transition. Mary wished to hospice at home and was able to do so with the tender and skilled care of loving daughter Cheryl, a retired RN. She also had the constant support of adoring husband Jim and further support from loving son Michael and grandson Sean. During her twelve days of home hospice, she was able to enjoy many visits from local residents, friends and family. Mary’s life was about family and service to others. She had a positive attitude toward life and fellow human beings. She looked for the good in others and was always quick to support and acknowledge their positive attributes. She loved the town of Lempster, serving on the select board from March of 1994 to August of 2001 and again from March of 2007 to June of 2023. Mary worked tirelessly to improve and support the lives of Lempster residents. She also served the residents of many towns in this region on the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission from December 2013 to February 2023. Mary was held in high regard by town employees, officials and residents. Mary was born on October 19, 1941 in Windsor Vermont. Her parents were Amedee and Catherine Gendron, now deceased. Mary graduated from Windsor High School in 1959 and then entered the work force. Some of her places of employment were Joy Manufacturing, Cannon Industries, Dennis Lumber, Jolly Farmer Sales and substitute teaching at various local schools. In the years just previous to Covid, she enjoyed volunteering at the Lempster Community School. Mary and Jim, her loving husband of 45 years, enjoyed their hilltop farm in Lempster. She loved the wildlife, especially the fawns and baby turkeys. For many years they raised cattle and chickens. Mary helped hay the fields and care for the livestock. Friends and family frequently came to help work on farm projects. Mary found these times of family and friend gatherings to be most enjoyable. Sitting on our front porch enjoying good conversation with friends and the gorgeous view of Lempster Mountain was a highlight to her day. Mary found so much joy in the rural aspects of Lempster. Mary enjoyed time at Lempster Long Pond; the call of the loons, the cool breezes and quick dips in the cool, clean water. Feeding and observing the local wild birds was a year round interest. She had beautiful flower gardens and worked diligently to help grow a bountiful vegetable garden. Mary kept her mind sharp by extensive reading and always had a book handy when relaxing. She also enjoyed crossword and other word puzzles. Her favorite television show was, most appropriately, Jeopardy. She supported her children’s love of skiing throughout their lives and Mary was also an accomplished skier. She supported local school sports and enjoyed watching national tennis and golf. Mary was predeceased by her aforementioned parents, dear son Ross, brother Edmond Gendron and brother in law Dennis Zacharias. She leaves behind her immediate family; devoted and loving husband Jim, loving daughter Cheryl Fitzpatrick, loving son Michael Hilliard, loving grandson Sean Fitzpatrick and his father Kevin. Mary leaves behind Edmond Gendron’s wife Andi and her three children. She leaves behind her very dear sister Patty Zacharias and her daughter. Mary leaves behind many cousins, nephews and nieces, as well as many friends who will miss her dearly. There will be a celebration of Mary’s life on Wednesday July 12 at the South Congregational Church of Newport; 20 Church Street, Newport NH 03773. The service will be at 11:00 AM with a social gathering at the church immediately following the service. The interment will be at the East Lempster Cemetery at 1:30 PM. The cemetery is on Mountain Road in Lempster. Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.