Lorna A Gemmell

Lorna A. Gemmell, 96, a resident of North Swanzey, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire, on Sunday, May 5, 2013, following a period of declining health.

Lorna was born March 7, 1917, in Fort Hope, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Sydney and Eliza (Savoyard) Taylor. The family lived in Fort Hope until Lorna was four and then moved to Longlac, Ontario where her father managed a Hudson’s Bay Co. Store serving the Indian population in Northern Canada. She was the oldest daughter in a family of seven children. On September 7, 1940, she married Jackson G. Gemmell, a geologist from Toronto. They spent ten years in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec where Jack worked in Copper Mining. Lorna and Jack moved their family to North Swanzey in 1950, after Jack accepted a position of Superintendent of The Golding Keene Mining Company.

Lorna enjoyed being a stay-at-home-mom and homemaker. Once the children were raised, she worked at Goodnow’s Department Store, for more than 19 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Lorna and Jack were especially close to The Dick and Miriam Lane family, who were one of the first to welcome them to the USA. The families have remained lifelong friends. She also enjoyed skiing, sailing, hiking and being in the outdoors. She was very devoted to her faith and to her church: As a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Keene, she was a member of the Altar Guild and various ladies’ groups in the congregation. She was also a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

She is survived by three sons: Alex and Sandra Gemmell of Keene, NH, Gerald and Charlotte Gemmell of Hartford, CT and Robert and Phoebe Gemmell of Marblehead, MA, five grandchildren: Michael Gemmell of Buford, GA, Jason Gemmell of Keene, NH, Amy Gemmell of Buzzard’s Bay, MA. Marie and Jackson Gemmell of Marblehead, MA, three great-grandchildren: Tyler and Elizabeth Gemmell of Buford, GA and Taylor Myers of Buzzard’s Bay, MA. brother-in-law: Art Sanders, five nieces and nephews: Phyllis Dorvek, Nicky Sturgeon, Elizabeth Easby, Leslie and Doug Sanders all of Barrie Ontario. Lorna was predeceased by her daughter: Susan Jane Gemmell and great-granddaughter: Brooke Myers.

We wish to recognize the loving care provided by neighbors Lori and Mike Delisle, Hospice nurses and the Doctors and staff of Cheshire Medical Center

A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 44 West Street, Keene, NH on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 11:00 AM. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cedarcrest, 91 Maple Ave, Keene, NH. 03431, Children’s Hospital in Boston or to a children’s charity of one’s choice.