Mrs. Carrie L. (Varney) Gibson - Obituary - The Reporter- 12 September 1946

Mrs. Carrie L. Gibson

A 19th Century Horse Drawn Carriage Hearse. Image from Carriage Musuem of America2

Funeral services were held in the Chocorua Baptist Church on Sunday, Sept. 8, for Carrie Loretta Gibson who died on Sept. 5 following two years of failing health during which she was confined to her room. The eldest daughter of Moses and Loretta Varney, she was born April 11, 1853, in the homestead where she died. Following her marriage to Charles E. Gibson she lived for several years in East Boston. Returning to Chocorua over 50 years ago [around 1890], she had made her home with Mrs. Lillie Beck. Here the two sisters, who loved all that was good and beautiful lived together sharing each others' joys and sorrows. As it was on April 29 of this year [1946] when Mrs. Beck passed away, one can only feel that now again this companionship is being continued. A lover of nature one of Mrs. Gibson's hobbies was walking and when in her 70th year she walked to the top of Mt. Chocorua. Endowed with a keen sense of humor she loved sociability and was the life of any gathering she might be in. Deeply religious she was a member and constant attendant of the Chocorua Baptist Church as long as her health permitted. A wish expressed by the two sisters several years ago was fulfilled and again on Sunday, the Rev. Alvin Rowland was assisted by the Rev. Thomas Scammon.

As Tamworth's oldest citizen, Mrs. Gibson was presented the Post goldheaded cane when she was 91 years of age by Selectman Roy E. Arlnig. Her only son, N. Charles Gibson, died nearly 6 years ago and since that time his widow had lived with and lovingly cared for the two aged sisters. In April a granddaughter came to assist in their care. Surviving are Mrs. Charles Gibson, two grandchildren, George Gibson and Mrs. Warren Tupper; four great grandchildren.

She was laid to rest in the family lot amid a profusion of beautiful flowers, a silent tribute to the respect in which she was held. The bearers were Messrs Fred M. Hammond, Fred L. Hammond, Quincy G. Perkins and Albert J. Fortier; R.E. Jewell & Son of Wolfboro, funeral directors.

References

1 The Reporter, North Conway, New Hampshire - Thursday, 12 September 1946 - pg. 2.

Thanks to the folks at the Conway Public Library for locating this article and providing a copy.

Visit the Conway Public Library online at: http://conwaypubliclibrary.org/

2 Plate No. 18. Hearse. Carriage Monthly June 1885 page 60. Image from Carriage Museum of America. http://www.carriagemuseumlibrary.org/glesenkamp.htm.