Alice R. Symonds

She was born in Providence, RI on July 1, 1926, the daughter of Rev. Burton G. and Ada (Longland) Robbins. She graduated from Woodsville High School in Woodsville, NH and attended the University of New Hampshire.

In 1978 she married Clare (Sy) Symonds in Marlborough. Until his illness and death in 2008, they enjoyed traveling to the Maine coast, as well as Myrtle Beach and Bermuda.

Alice was a Cub Scout den mother, Fresh Air volunteer, Sunday School teacher, member of the Cheshire Quilt Guild, Old Homestead Garden Club, Friends of Ashuelot Park, and the Cheshire Republican Women. She helped to organize the "Brown Bag Sunday" program for the Keene Community Kitchen, and was very active in the Grace United Methodist Church, serving at various times as secretary, treasurer, director of the Junior Choir and visitor for the United Methodist Women Care Ministry.

She is survived by her son (from a previous marriage) Jim MacKenzie and his wife Susan of Swanton, VT; her step-daughter Carol Fossum and her husband Hugh of Goffstown, NH; her step-son William Symonds and his wife Donna of Bethlehem, NH; sisters Martha Jennings of Wilkesboro, NC and Margaret Stimson and her husband Ron of Rochester, NY; Sy's brother and sister-in-law Charles and Barbara Symonds of Newbury, NH; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Sy, she was predeceased by her sister Ann and her brothers Bobby, Raymond and Gilbert.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Westwood for the care and comfort they provided during the last few months; Drs. Chamberlin, Winslow, Long, Singer and Leinau of Cheshire Medical, and nurses: Elizabeth Loccisano and Kendra Severance, who were immeasurably helpful not only to Alice but also to the family; the staff at Home Health & Hospice for their care and support during the last week; and especially to Fran and Gladys Blair, who were wonderful friends and neighbors, and a great support to Alice’s spirits as her health declined, visiting her nearly every day.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Alice's memory to the Grace United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 17 Greenbrier Rd., Keene, NH 03431, or to the Friends of Ashuelot Park, 40 Avon St., Keene, NH 03431.

A memorial service will be held at one of Alice's favorite times, near the beginning of gardening season; the time and place will be announced.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St, Keene is in charge of the arrangements.