Mary Harvey Southworth, 97, of Gilford and formerly of Tilton, passed away January 1, 2015, at Lakes Region General Hospital.
She was born at home, on March 18, 1917 in Lakeport, to Vernon C. and Della B. Harvey. The family soon moved to a farm in Sanbornton and then to New Hampton, where she grew up attending a one-room school until going to high school in Bristol. Mary had many fond memories of her early years, including a trip with her mother through the Sanbornton woods at night in a one-horse sleigh. The sleigh tipped over dumping Mary into a snow bank. She was proud of her mother for holding tight to the reins, stopping the horse, righting the sleigh and continuing on their way. Mary attended Concord Business College and later in life graduated from Plymouth State College. She worked as a correspondent for the Journal Transcript for several years. She later worked as an accountant for the State of New Hampshire until her retirement.
Mary was married to Walter (Arn) Southworth for more than fifty years before he passed away in 1992. They resided in Tilton for most of their marriage. She is survived by their children, William A. Southworth and Verna S. Beaupre, William’s daughters, Denise Kersey and husband Mike, Maureen Casey and husband Brian, and Verna’s son, Parker Beaupre and wife Megan, her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her canine buddy, Piper. She also leaves her friend of more than ninety years, Barbara Chase, formerly of New Hampton. She was predeceased by her siblings, Vera Hebert, Warren (Hank) Harvey and Ruth Clapper.
Mary was interested in many things, including politics and all things related to nature, especially the wild birds. Her favorite pastimes included reading, growing flowers, and having a good-natured argument. Mary was kind and gentle with a quick wit and a loving heart. She loved her family and friends dearly. Her husband described her as being the fairest person he had ever met.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.