Marjorie W. Keniston

Went to be with the Lord peacefully at home with her family and loved ones surrounding her. She was born March 20, 1923 to Arthur Story & Katherine “Gertrude” (Fraser) Wonson of Gloucester, MA. Marjorie lived a quiet life with kindness at the core. She taught those closest to her to live life with gentleness at the heart of every moment. She will always be a bright, shining light in the lives of those she touched and remembered for the loving, caring, nurturing generosity she shared for everyone.

She was predeceased by her husband W. Edward Keniston in 1988, a son Kevin Todd in 1964, her parents, and all her siblings.

Left to honor and remember her love are two sons William Edward and Steven Craig, and a daughter Susan Leigh and her husband Bruce Hewey all of Concord, NH. Grandchildren Megan, Evan, and Emily Hewey and Justin Craig Keniston; Sisters-in-law Patricia Wonson, Jean Wonson, Judith Dickson; special nieces Debby Wonson and Kathy L. Wonson; a cousin; several other nieces and nephews; many life-long family friends and neighbors; Foster Children: Brett, Pauline, and Shahana, and many others.

The Wonson family settled in Rocky Neck MA in 1862 from Edinburgh, Scotland. Marjorie was the great great granddaughter of Augustus Story Wonson who was one of the original founders and built the Tarr & Wonson Copper Paint factory on Rocky Neck in 1863, today a famous landmark that marks the entrance to Gloucester’s inner harbor and mentioned and seen in numerous movies including The Perfect Storm, and Wicked Tuna, a new reality show. Marjorie was one of five children, born and raised at 24 Wonson Street in Rocky Neck, Gloucester. She was a graduate of Gloucester High class of 1941.

Marjorie married and moved to Margerie Street in Concord NH in 1955. From 1958 to 1965 she became the mother of William, Steven, and Susan and lived in the same house for the remainder of her life. She spent her summers at the family’s summer home at Weirs Beach since she was a very young child, enjoying all the splendor the lake offered. Her life was dedicated to children especially the neglected. She and her husband were foster parents for over 30 years for Child & Family Services and the state of NH. She loved knitting and church, family and friends. She was a great cook and always willing to pass on her secrets. She loved to sit, chat, and knit for hours enjoying the company of loved ones and the view of the lake from her porch. As a member of the West Congregational Church since April, 1955 she sang in the choir, was a member of WE-CO-ACS and Women’s Fellowship, and knitted hundreds of pairs of mittens. She was also active in leadership with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

The family would like to express its most sincere appreciation to the VNA and MAS with very extra special thanks to Gudrun Remington from MAS and all the caretakers throughout the years.

Memorial visiting hours will be held Sunday, April 26 from 2 to 5 at Bennett Funeral Home and a funeral service on Monday, April 27 at 11:00 at West Congregational Church 499 North State St., Concord, NH, with a graveside service immediately following at Maple Grove Cemetery in West Concord. There will be a gathering at the church parish hall immediately following. Bennett Funeral Home of Concord NH is in charge of arrangements. Flowers are welcome. Memorial contributions are being accepted for a scholarship in her name for foster children. Checks can be sent to the Scholarship Fund in memory of Marjorie Wonson Keniston c/o Merrimack County Savings Bank, 89 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.

Arrangements under the direction of Bennett Funeral Home, Concord, NH.