Mary Louise (Higgins) Whitaker
Mary Louise (Higgins) Whitaker 77 of Harrisville died peacefully after a period of failing health. She passed with the love of her family at her side on May 4, 2011 at Westwood Care and Rehabilitation in Keene.
Mary was born the daughter of Mary V. (O’Neil) and John J. Higgins on May 6, 1933 in White Plains, N.Y. She was educated locally and graduated from Rye High School class of 1951. She then went on to receive a degree as a Registered Dietician from Westchester Community College in Westchester, N.Y.
On November 27, 1957 she took her vows to Mr. Kenneth W. Whitaker at St. Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Norwich, VT. They were married with family and friends in attendance. The Whitaker’s have been happily married for fifty three years.
Mrs. Whitaker worked for many years as a Registered Dietician at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. When the family moved to Cheshire County She accepted a position at the former Elliot Hospital and then later at Cheshire Medical Center. She retired in 1977 to enjoy her golden years with family.
Mary was a woman of many talents and interests. She was a an avid tennis player. When time permitted you could find her on the courts playing with friends or in the many leagues she participated in. She was the co-founder of the Racket Club in Keene and later the Tennis Courts in Chesham. She enjoyed cross country and down hill skiing in the winter. She was fortunate enough in life to travel to many places in America and also to Europe. The Whitaker’s would stay in elder hostel’s and met many interesting people from across the globe. Mary was a devout catholic. She was a long time member of St. Bernard’s Parish when they lived in Keene then St. Patrick’s after the moved to Harrisville. You could find Mary sitting on the lawn at her home watching the loons on the water, She enjoyed rides in the motor boat and watching her children and grandchildren learn how to swim and water ski. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and devoted wife.
Mrs. Whitaker is survived by her husband Kenneth W. Whitaker of Harrisville. She leaves her two children; Martha A. Joyal of West Swanzey. Her son Andrew C. Whitaker and his wife Mariann of Andover Township, N.J.. Mary was the proud grandmother of five; Timothy J. Joyal and his wife Jessica, Abigail E.M. Whitaker, Morgan R. Whitaker, Gabrielle H. Whitaker, Taylor K. Whitaker. She also leaves extended family and numerous friends. She is pre-deceased by her parents.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday from 6 to 8pm. A celebration of life with a Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10am. All in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the family lot at Hill Cemetery in Chesham. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family has requested donations be made in memory of Mary L. Whitaker to the Castle Center Adult Day Care, 302 Marlboro St. Keene, NH. 03431.
