Mary H. McDow

Grafton, N.H. Mary H. McDow, 62, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. She was born May 16, 1946, at Boston City Hospital, Boston, a daughter of the late Walter K. Fisher and Caroline W. Egersheim Fisher of Stoughton, Mass. Mary attended Stoughton High School and after graduation in 1964, she joined the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge. She married Vincent McDow Jr. on July 25, 1969. On July 4, 1972, Mary and her family moved to Grafton. There they started the McDow and Sons Salvage Company. Mary was a past member of the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department and served as their secretary. She was instrumental in forming the Grafton Fire Association. During the time when the association was active, she organized many fund raisers to benefit the fire department. She was a go getter and raised money, donations of services and materials for the present fire station. Her seemingly tireless efforts have benefited many people. Mary was a past member of the Grafton Ladies Fire Auxiliary. She also worked at the Canaan Speedway in the Pit Tower for many years. In 1995, Mary became the deputy town clerk and in 1997 took over the position. She was elected to the position of town clerk in 1999, where she served the people of Grafton until her death. She is survived by her husband, Vincent "Buddy" McDow Jr.; two sons, Walter McDow and Vincent "Mickey" McDow, all of Grafton; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Evelyn S. Fisher Clairemont and Carol A. Fisher MacNeil, all of Stoughton. She was also the loving Godmother of Donna Prisco and Sean Clairmont; loving aunt of Steve Prisco, Michael McFadyen, James D. and Theresa Weaver, Robert III and Lisa Clairmont, Joseph, Brian, Doreen and Christine MacNeil and their children, Caroline Fisher, Anne, Thomas, Timothy, Mary, Lisa and John McCarthy and their children; great-aunt of Steven and Matthew Prisco, Melanie McFadyen, Emily Clairmont, Corey and Samantha Weaver. Also survived by many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, a baby brother, Walter Fisher, a sister, Ethel M. Fisher McFadyen of Stoughton. Family and friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield, Monday evening, June 16, from 6 to 9. Funeral services will be at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield, Tuesday, June 17, at 10 a.m., with the Rev. John Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Grafton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mary McDow Scholarship Fund, in care of Mascoma Valley Regional High School, Attn. Carol Bostwick,, 27 Royal Road, West Canaan, NH 03741. Arrangements are by Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematory of Lebanon and Enfield.