Margaret E. Hemmingsen
5/25/2015

Margaret Eleanor Hemmingsen, nee Fitch, of Woburn, passed away in her home on Monday, May 25. Born Aug 15, 1921 in Racine, Wisconsin to Raymond and Frieda (Gersonde) Fitch, she was also sister of the late Edward G. Fitch. A graduate of Horlick High School, she achieved the Girl Scout Golden Eaglet award at age 17, the last time it was ever awarded. After earning her BA from Marquette University, Mrs. Hemmingsen served in the Women’s Army Corps during WWII at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Following the war, she worked as a Field Director for the Girl Scouts of Racine until 1948. She later earned her MA in Education from Northeastern University and served as College Advisor at Ursuline Academy in Dedham until her retirement in 1981.

Margaret married Charles Hemmingsen, also of Racine, in May, 1948. As an officer in the US Navy, Cmdr Hemmingsen was stationed on the East Coast and, together, they lived in Norfolk and Alexandria, VA, Newport, RI, and Boston, MA, settling in Winchester after her husband’s retirement in 1963. Together they had three children. Margaret and Charles enjoyed classical music and attended the BSO regularly in addition to concerts and the theater in both Boston and New York. They traveled frequently and, at last count, Margaret had visited 44 countries and islands and 49 US states. They also had fun acting in the Shakespeare Club and as participants in the Epiphany Players.

Mrs. Hemmingsen was an active member in the Winchester community as a member of the Enka Society for 40 years and as a Girl Scout Troop leader for over 10. An avid bridge player, she participated in many local bridge clubs and delighted in cooking gourmet dinners for family and friends and participating in progressive dinners and gourmet clubs as well.

She was a communicant of the Parish of the Epiphany and served the church faithfully since joining in 1963. She loved music and was a member of the choir for almost 30 years in addition to serving on the Liturgy and Music Committees. Margaret served on the Vestry for three years, as both Vice President and President of the Women of Epiphany, and as Director of the Altar Guild. Over her many years of service to the Epiphany community, she also served on the Adventure in Mission and the Gifts and Memorial Committees, this last from its founding until 2012. Margaret was an avid gardener and put her green thumb to new use as a member of the Faith and the Environment Committee and turned her love of flowers and flower arranging to found the Flower Guild in 1987. She also served as a delegate to the Episcopal Diocesan Convention from 1980-1982.

Mrs. Hemmingsen is pre-deceased by her beloved husband Charles, and survived by their three children: son Charles and wife Jane Hemmingsen of Hollis, NH, and daughters Karin and Daria of Attleboro, MA. Interment is private. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 10 am, at the Parish of the Epiphany 70 Church St., Winchester, MA 01890.Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parish of the Epiphany, at the address listed above..
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Costello Funeral Home
177 Washington Street
Winchester, MA USA 01890
781-729-1730