Isabel R. Witham

Deerfield - Isabel Ruth Witham, 90, a longtime resident of Deerfield and affectionately called Izzy, died March 13, 2012, at Concord Hospital.

She arrived as an early Christmas blessing on Dec. 23, 1921, in the town of Windham, Vt., a daughter of Edward and Ruth (Giles) Fontaine. Isabel grew up in Vermont and received her education in local schools.

During the Depression, many young men worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it was by chance that Isabel met her future husband, Maurice Witham, whom she married on Jan. 16, 1938.

Izzy and Maurice made their home in Deerfield, where they raised seven children and became active community members. For many years, Izzy and her husband ran a concession stand at the Deerfield Fair and were also appointed to operate the surplus food program for those who may have needed assistance. You could count on Izzy to be fair and kind with those who relied upon the service.

Isabel worked at Hope's Market and The Blue Bowl Store. It was the perfect job for her. She was the famous "people watcher" and knew the happenings around town. If you wanted to know the scoop, Izzy was the one to ask!

She was always knitting hats, mittens, scarves and even gloves for the local elementary schools and church charities. Children received what they needed to stay warm as they played in the snow. Mrs. Witham also provided child care in her home for many years.

Her home was filled with animals - dogs, cats and birds. She loved feeding the wildlife that visited in her backyard. Izzy could feed the birds and squirrels right from her hands. Izzy possessed a "green thumb" and spent countless hours tending her gardens.

She and Maurice enjoyed day trips to local fairs and visiting her family in Vermont. You could bet that during these excursions they would stop for fresh seafood. Boy, she loved her steamed clams! She watched bowling on TV and was an avid crossword and search-a-word player. When she played bingo, Izzy would play upward of 100 cards at any one time. Isabel found great pleasure in putting puzzles together. It was common knowledge in her household: You didn't try to help her with her puzzles!

Isabel will be remembered by her children as being a devoted mom and an attentive nannie to her many grandchildren. She instilled good work values in her children and by her example of sharing and volunteering for the town; they are able to carry on some of her attributes in their daily lives. In her final years, she was loved and nurtured by the caring staff of the Inn at Deerfield.

She is survived by three sons, John Witham of Deerfield, William (Bill) Witham of Springfield, Vt., and Thomas Witham and wife Colette of Deerfield; two daughters, Ruth Dow and husband Donald of Belmont and Thelma Holden of Chester, Vt.; one daughter-in-law, Debbie Witham; three sisters, Irene Gordon of Andover, Vt., Julia Winters of Brattleboro, Vt., and Louise Winters of Winchester; 25 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Maurice Witham; two sons, Edward and Robert; one grandson, Donald Dow Jr. (D.J.); and one great-grandson, Grafton Holden-Mount. She was also predeceased by two daughters-in-law, Pauline and Beverly Witham.

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services:A celebration of her life will held Friday, March 23, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Maiden-Petrin Funeral Home, 45 High St, (intersection of routes 43 & 27) in Candia. Committal prayers and burial will be later in the spring at Morrison Cemetery in Deerfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Inn at Deerfield, P.O. Box 87, Deerfield 03037.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Maiden-Petrin Funeral Home in Candia.