Mary S. Fessenden

Mary S. Fessenden, 88, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died January 1, 2011 at Crestwood Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Milford. She was born in Mont Vernon, NH on August 4, 1922, a daughter of Harry A. and Catherine S. (Guild) Smith. She graduated from Milford High School and attended Mt. Auburn Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge, MA, graduating in 1943. Mrs. Fessenden enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps on February 23, 1944 until December 20, 1945. She served as a First Lieutenant during World War II in the European Theater attached to a Mobile Surgical Unit, which was the first medical unit with nurses to be at the most forward medical installations caring for the wounded. She was later recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict and was discharged on October 8, 1952. Following her service, she worked as a registered nurse at Mt. Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA and John Hancock, Boston, MA. She continued her education at Boston University and St. Anselm’s College. Mrs. Fessenden was a member of the First Congregational Church of Milford, UCC. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Paul E. Fessenden V.M.D., who died in 1988 and a brother, Walter Guild Smith. Family members include two daughters and a son-in-law, Carol and Graham Balcom of Milford, NH, Gail Fessenden of Tampa, FL: three grandchildren, Greg, Erin and Brian Balcom all of Milford; two sisters-in-law; several nieces, nephews and cousins. There are no services. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Brookline, NH, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 713, Milford, NH, Milford Firemen’s Relief Association, 39 School Street, Milford, NH or Milford Ambulance Service, 1 Union Square, Milford, NH 03055.