Beatrice Fisher

Beatrice Barnes Fisher was born on July 13th, 1925, the youngest child of Harlan and Carrie (Cater) Barnes in the family home on the Westminster West Road.

She received her education at the one room school near her home, having just two teachers during her eight years there. She went on to Bellows Falls High School, where she graduated with the class of 1943. She attended the church in Saxtons River and was an active member of the Girl Scout Troop there. Growing up on the family farm and helping with the chores helped her with a well rounded education in that field. She learned early to drive the horses and oxen. Her fondest stories related to these events. Another very inspiring thing during these years was reading the Bible to a blind neighbor several times a week and therefore learning to love the Lord and to do His will. Bea was very proud of the fact that at 14, she joined her family as Grange members in Saxtons River, serving first as Lady Assistant Steward.

On October, 24, 1944, she married Vern Fisher of Grafton and moved to Fisher Hill where she has resided ever since. Many people were cared for at this home over the years. After several years of sickness Vern passed away on October 26, 1980. Always missing him, Bea took work with the U.S. Postal Service, serving in West Brattleboro, and Putney. Joining the Grafton Church she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Moderator, Clerk and Deacon, attaining the role of Deacon Emeritus. She also transferred membership to the Grafton Grange and held many different offices there as well as Chaplain of the Vermont State Grange for two terms. She served on the Ed Aid Fund for several years and at the time was Master of Grafton Grange and Chaplain of Mountain Valley Pomona Grange.

Beatrice was known as “Busy Bea” as she was an active member of the community in ever so many ways. In addition to mothering 8 children and caring for elderly boarders, the Grange and Church work, other activities included: record membership in the Grafton Parent Teacher Group, Town Lister, Auditor, Justice of the Peace and member of the Board of Civil Authority and the Grafton Improvement Association, Grafton Community Women’s Club and Ladies Home Demonstration Group, 4-H Leader for many years teaching many, many children to sew and trustee of 4-H Camp Waubanong, Farm Bureau Member and Windham County Farm Wife of the Year in 1978, Board member of the Bellows Falls Senior Center, Grafton Cares, Vermont Grange Center, 1981 Vermont Mother of the Year and Retired Mail Carrier Association.

In addition to working on the Farm and for the Postal Service, over the years Bea was a Newspaper Correspondent, School Cook, School Bus Driver and Avon Representative.

Bea is known as the driving force behind the annual Grafton Memoiral Day Parade, Town Meeting Dinner and often the Sugar on Snow and Strawberry Dinners over the Years.

Favorite hobbies included cooking for others, sewing, crafting, knitting and crocheting gifts and reading.

Bea is survived by Barbara Rogers, of South Londonderry, Deborah Litchfield of West Townshend, Cynthia Greulich and husband Edward, of Millington, Tennesee, Dr. Lynn Fisher, of Charlestown, New Hampshire, Maureen Fletcher and husband Scott, of Saxtons River, Sheryl Miller and husband Jonathan, of Grafton, Cecile Smith and husband Jerry of Grafton and West Townshend, Warren Fisher and wife Susan, of Melissa, Texas. Bea had 20 grandchildren 3 step grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 7 step great grandchildren, one brother Ralph of Springfield, one sister-in-law Carolyn Fisher Coffin, of Hartford, CT and several nieces and nephews. Bea was known for taking others under her wing, she liked to “adopt” others as children and grands and even the elderly. Many people today feel part of her extended family and she was known by mom, gram or GG to many.

Bea was predeceased by brothers, Leighton and Joseph Barnes, a sister Rhoena Longley, a granddaughter Megan Miller, son-in-laws, Leslie Rogers, Jr. and Albert Litchfield, Jr.

Following cremation there will be a burial at the Houghtonville Cemetery followed by a celebration of her life on her birth date, July 13th, 2013 at the Family Farm that she held so dear for 69 years where there is room enough for the many to pay their respects. On Tuesday, February 19th, the Town of Grafton invites the public to a Pot Luck luncheon at the Grafton Fire Station where folks can honor Bea’s service to the community and share memories of her. Bea was well known for showing up at fires to feed the firemen. This will be followed by calling hours for the immediate family.

The family is not requesting memorial gifts or flowers, as following the tragic fire that took Bea's home in December 2010, there was an outpouring of support and generosity that was greatly appreciated, but the Vermont Grange Center, Grace Cottage Hospital, Grafton Cares and Grafton Fire Department were all dear to mom’s heart if it is your wish to do so.

Arrangements are under the care of Adams Funeral & Cremation Service, Chester, VT

Please visit www.adamschester.com for additional information and to view Bea’s online guestbook.