Marion Betty E. (Cook) White, 96, a long time resident of Gilsum and formerly of Longmeadow, MA. died on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Keene Center Genesis in Keene. She passed peacefully with her family near after a period of declining health.
Marion was born the daughter of the late Marion (Abbe) and Frank E. Cook on April 14, 1918 in Troy, N.Y. She was educated in Enfield, CT. and graduated from Enfield High School class of 1930.
On August 24, 1940 she exchanged vows with F. Lawrence White. They were married with family and friends in attendance at St. Patricks Church in Enfield, CT. Sadly, he passed on March 29, 1989 after forty eight years of marriage.
Marion spent many years as a homemaker. Her artistic flair could be seen in the many activities she enjoyed: sewing, quilting, braiding rugs, caning chairs and tending to her flower gardens.
In 1976, Marion and her husband retired to Gilsum, NH and opened The Old Chair Shop which specialized in chair caning and reed seating. She taught caning to various groups and was a member of Country Artisans, the NH League of Craftsmen and the Gilsum Historical Society. She was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Marion operated the Old Chair Shop until 2009.
Marion was an avid reader who loved a good book. She read the daily newspaper from cover to cover and ended by doing the crossword puzzle. She loved to travel, dine out, have family gatherings, go to Foxwoods, and visit antique shops.
Marion was kind, thoughtful, generous and always put others first. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mrs. White is survived by her three children; Alice E. Sears and her husband Ed of Gilsum, Frank E. White and his wife Donna of Keene and John L. White and his wife Connie of Harrisville. Her sister, Margaret Comrie and her husband Allan of Amelia Island, FL. Sister In-law, Bernice Cook of Quincy, CA. Her grandchildren; Scott Sears, Tammy Dwyer, Kelly White, Chris White, Krista White and Thorin Morrow and six great-grandchildren. Betty is predeceased by her brother, Frank E. Cook and great-grandson Brandon Russell.
A spring burial in the family lot at Gilsum Cemetery will be private. A celebration of life is being planned for family and friends at a later date. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
