Miriam Rosina "Mim" Denzer

Miriam Rosina “Mim” Denzer, R.N., 88, of Washington Street, Plainville, formerly of Lakeside Avenue, Wrentham, died on January 18, 2005 at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham where she had been a resident for the past few days. She was the dear friend of Carolyn A. Clark with whom she resided.

Born in the Attleboro Falls section of North Attleboro, Massachusetts on April 14, 1916, she was a daughter of the late John Jacob and Rosina (Deeg) Denzer. She was raised and educated in North Attleboro where she was a 1934 graduate of North Attleboro High School. She moved to Plainville in October of 2003 after having lived in Wrentham for the previous 35 years. Prior to residing in Wrentham, Ms. Denzer had been a resident of Washington, D.C.

She was a 1937 graduate of the former Massachusetts Infirmary at Tewksbury State Hospital where she earned her nursing degree.

Ms. Denzer was employed at the former Wrentham State School, now the Wrentham Developmental Center, for 17 years prior to her retirement in 1976 as the nursing supervisor.

In Washington, DC she had been employed as a registered nurse in general hospitals and nursing homes for 20 years and had also worked as a clerk in the Senate office building.

As a child she was confirmed at the Central Congregational Church in Attleboro Falls and remained a lifelong member of the church. She was a member of the Central Congregational Church Women’s Union, a member of the Missions Committee and had served as a church deacon.

Ms. Denzer held memberships in the American Association of Mental Deficiencies and the Wrentham Association for Retarded Citizens.

On December 25, 1918, she lost both of her parents and two siblings to the influenza epidemic. Her mother was expecting the arrival of her fourth child at the time of her death.

Following the death of her entire family, she was raised by her paternal aunts: Emma Trask and Magdalena “Lena” Denzer who became her “surrogate mothers”. Her aunts were assisted by her paternal grandfather, Jacob Denzer, with her upbringing.

She overcame tremendous adversity as a young child and remained focused on her goals to accomplish her dreams of becoming a nurse.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. She will be remembered as a “story teller extraordinaire” and for the craft for writing eloquent letters and correspondence to new and longtime friends and family members.

In addition to her dear friend, she leaves two cousins: Gretchen Harwood of Sharon and Russell Rayno of Attleboro. She was the guardian of Robert Witherell of Wrentham. She also leaves many treasured friends. She was the sister of the late Elsie Denzer and John “Jackie” Denzer.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to join the funeral cortege on Friday, January 21, 2005 at 2:30 PM from the “Commonwealth Chapel” of the DYER-LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00 PM at Central Congregational Church, 115 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, with the Rev. Carole L. Baker, pastor, officiating. Private burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum, North Attleboro.

Following funeral services, an invitation will be extended to join family and friends for a time of fellowship and remembrance at the church.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2005 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM in the “Commonwealth Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home prior to the funeral cortege proceeding to church for funeral services.

Children’s room available during visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in “Mim’s” name may be made to the Central Congregational Church Memorial Gifts Fund, PO Box 1319, Attleboro Falls, MA 02763.

Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 for free transportation.

To send an expression of sympathy, please visit our on-line guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.