Ethelda T. Chamberlain

HOOKSETT, NH:  Ethelda Beth (Towle) Chamberlain, 96, of Hooksett, NH, formerly of Hyde Park, Essex Junction and Jericho, Vermont, died peacefully, on December 27, 2023, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH-- just four days following her 96th birthday.

Ethelda was born December 23,1927, in Hyde Park, VT, the youngest of seven children born to the late, George A. Towle and Mattie (Flanders) Towle.  She graduated from Lamoille Central Academy in Hyde Park, VT, as valedictorian of the class of 1945.  Ethelda continued her education at the University of Vermont in Burlington.

On October 4, 1947, in Morrisville, Vt she married Reginald B. Chamberlain, who was employed for more than 40 years as a plumbing and heating technician in Essex Junction and Jericho, VT.

In her earlier years, Ethelda was employed as a clerk for several businesses in the greater Burlington area, including First National Stores, Abernethy's Department Store and Grand Union. Later, she worked for the Essex Junction Recreation Department and as a library assistant at Mt. Mansfield Union High School in Jericho.

Ethelda was an active member of the Jericho Center Congregational Church and, after moving to Hooksett, NH in 1999, a member of the choir and Women's Union at Brookside Congregational Church in Manchester. She enjoyed reading and discovering new destinations for her next travel adventure.  She traveled through much of Europe in spring 1981 with her son and daughter, and always spoke fondly of that trip and a later journey to California and Hawaii with her son and his family. She also greatly loved spending time with her family, especially enjoying picnics and reunions.

Survivors include two children: Douglas R. Chamberlain and his wife Linda, of Hooksett, NH, and Brenda Verdolino and her husband David, of Concord, MA; four grandchildren: Samuel Chamberlain and his wife, Suzanne Lassise, of Brooklyn, NY; Sarah Stockton and husband, Zachary of Austin, TX; Emma Reishus of Chicago, IL; and Anna Reishus of Iowa City, IA; and a great grandson, George Stockton of Austin, TX.

Ethelda was predeceased by her husband, Reginald Chamberlain on November 8, 2001, and by all her siblings: Everett, Elwin, Elroy, Edna, and Erma Towle, and Elna (Towle) Silloway Brooks.

A memorial service celebrating Ethelda's life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 24th at Brookside Congregational Church in Manchester. Interment will be at the family plot in the Wheeler Cemetery in Morristown, VT at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ethelda's memory may be made to the Brookside Congregational Church, 2013 Elm Street, Manchester, NH. 03104, or to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, NH 03054.

Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick, Vt. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com