Muriel Ramsdell

BARRINGTON — Muriel B. Ramsdell lost her long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease on Sept. 3. She died at home surrounded by great love, and is now in the arms of Jesus.

Muriel was born on Jan. 28, 1916, in Norton, Mass., to Ralph A. Buck and Marjorie L. (Oldfield) Buck. Muriel met William C. Ramsdell at the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, Mass., where they both attended art school. They married on Dec. 6, 1940, and moved to Barrington, N.H., where they raised three sons. Muriel, an accomplished pianist, also attended UNH and taught art and music in many area schools, including Barrington, Deerfield, Northwood, Nottingham and Strafford.

In 1950 Muriel and her husband, Bill, helped to build the Barrington Evangelical Free Church. Muriel was the choir director and organist for 25 years. Muriel was a member of the Women's Club, the Garden Club, and the Good Samaritans. After retirement, Muriel and Bill enjoyed traveling about the country in their RV. They also had a winter home in Florida. A woman of great faith, strength, and integrity, Muriel devoted her life to the Lord and to her family.

She is survived by two sons, John B. Ramsdell and wife Janet, and Gary E. Ramsdell and wife, Brenda, all of Barrington. She is survived by three grandchildren, G. William Ramsdell, Andrea Ramsdell, and Brandie Ramsdell, and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepmother, Esther Buck, and six siblings, Louise, Janet, Christine, Richard, Roger, and Curt, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill, her precious son, Dana, and her beloved grandson, James. She was also predeceased by two brothers, Charles and Ralph, and her dear Aunt Mary, to whom she was very close.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Rockingham VNA and Hospice for their amazing care, compassion, and support. We would also like to thank the staff of Kirkwood Corners who cared for Muriel with great kindness, understanding, and love.

Flowers from family only, please. Donations may be made to the Rockingham VNA and Hospice, 137 Epping Road, Exeter NH 03833, or to Alzheimer's Research, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago Ill. 60601-7633. Muriel would have appreciated that.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday Sept. 9, 2009, from 4-6 p.m. at the Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road, Lee. Funeral services will be Thursday Sept. 10, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dan Huggard officiating.

Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits