Reta Mary Powers Brace

She was born on December 3, 1918, in Braintree, Mass, the daughter of the late Charles E. and Margaret (Harney) Powers.

On September 1, 1939 she married Albert G. Brace and settled in Amherst, Mass. Before her retirement she worked at the University of Massachusetts in the Forestry Department.

Survivors include a son Edward G. Brace and wife Dora of Ware, Mass, a daughter Virginia Espeland and husband John of Marlborough, NH. She leaves grandsons George Brace of Amherst, Mass, Keith Brace of Belchertown, Mass. John Birnie and wife Christine of Alton, NH, and Scott Birnie and wife Kirsten of Marlborough, NH. She also leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren; Jocelyn Birnie, Datagnan Birnie of Alton, NH Kayla Birnie, Christopher Birnie and Jacob Wilson Thomas of Marlborough, NH.

In addition to her parents, her sister Sarah and brother George died earlier. Her husband Albert died in 1992.

There are no public calling hours. In keeping with the families wishes, Services and burial will be held privately in the South Amherst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in Reta M. Brace’s name, to Home Health Care Hospice & Community Services (www.hcsservices.org), 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH 03431.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St, Keene NH has been entrusted with her arrangements.