Elizabeth Hamel

Elizabeth M. Hamel, wife of W. Rogers Hamel, former resident of Peterborough NH, Francestown, NH, and Acton MA, died on February 3, 2016 in Acton, MA after a brief illness. She was born in Altoona Pennsylvania June 13, 1918, the daughter of Charlotte D. Murphy and Francis A. Murphy. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gannon University, Master of Arts degree in literature from Pennsylvania State University and pursued advance graduate studies at the University of New Hampshire, American University and Cambridge University, Cambridge England. She was a professor of Literature at Vernon Court Junior College in Newport, RI. Mrs. Hamel was a longtime participant in historical and restoration activities. She was a member of the boards of the Newport Preservation Society, Newport, R.I., and the Old Island Restoration Foundation, Key West, FL. She was a member of the Peterborough Historical Society, lifetime member of Francestown Improvement and Historical Society, and Francestown Meeting House Association. Elizabeth was an avid supporter of libraries. She served on the founding board of the Public Library, Newport, R.I., was a member of the Governing Board of Friends of the Library, Key West, FL, and a member of the Francestown task force, charged with studying the growth of libraries in the Monadnock Region. Mrs. Hamel was active in women's organizations serving as State of Maryland's First Vice President of the American Association of University Women. She held numerous offices in the Key West Women's Club, Women's Club of Greenfield and the Peterborough Women's Club. She is survived by her Daughters Michele H. Ferencsik from Francestown, NH, Cecily H. Houston from Francestown and Acton, MA., her son Anthony R. Hamel from Acton, MA, son-in-law Kenneth M. Houston, Grandsons Michael R. Ferencsik, Brooke N. Ferencsik, Andrew (Drew) W. Houston, John R. Houston, granddaughter, Elizabeth (Lecie) C. Houston and three great granddaughters, Kathryn, Emily and Grace Ferencsik. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Anthony Shrine & Ministry Center: www.stanthonyshrine.org or Care Dimensions (Hospice): www.caredimensions.org A memorial mass will be held February 13, 2016 at 11:00 am at Divine Mercy Parish, 12 Church Street, Peterborough, NH. Monsignor Gerald Belanger will be the Celebrant. http://divinemercynh.org/directions-map Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary, or to leave the family a condolence, please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com

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