WEBSTER - Florence Estelle Dusty, age 103, died at Webster Manor on Saturday, June 5, 2010.
She was born in Starks, Maine on December 14, 1906 to Carroll and Jennie (Heald) Fish. With her five brothers, Guy, Arthur, Bertram, Leslie and Roger and six sisters Mary, Ruth, Bernice, Mary Elisabeth, Grace and Ethelyn, she grew up in one of the oldest farming communities in New England, enjoying hunting, fishing, farming and many other rural pleasures of life.
After her first marriage, she moved to Madison, ME with her two children to work at the Modern Restaurant. She then married Charles William Dusty, a World War I veteran. Shortly thereafter, in 1946, she moved to Howarth Village in Oxford, MA and there raised her blended family of seven: Norma and Robert Benjamin, George and Robert Dusty, and Judith, Florence and James Dusty.
The great flood of 1955 displaced many residents in Howarth Village, and the family moved to Webster. She gained employment at American Greeting Card Company from which she retired in 1973 at the age of 67.
Mrs. Dusty was a member of the United Church of Christ, Federated, and volunteered there for many years. She was an active member of the Webster Senior Center and its pitch league. She also served as a volunteer cook there. She was a member of the Silver Dippers. She was a lifelong supporter of the Boston Red Sox.
Among her many interests, she was an avid bridge player. She braided rugs and did gardening well into her 80's. She traveled to Maine, Colorado and Hawaii to visit her family; she liked taking trips with other seniors. She enjoyed meeting people.
She is survived by 3 daughters, Norma J. Murray of Oxford, Judith E. Mancini of Maui, HI and Florence H. Dusty of Castle Rock, CO; 2 sons, George L. Dusty of Wrentham and James G. Dusty of Petersham; 31 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; 16 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Robert L. Dusty and Robert A. Benjamin.
On December 14, 2008, she was officially recognized the oldest citizen of Webster by the Board of Selectmen.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 2, at 10:30 AM in North Cemetery, Route 12, Oxford. There are no calling hours. Donations in her name may be made to the Webster Senior Center, 116 School St., Webster, MA 01570. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street.