Altadena H. “Dena” Spofford Memorial Page

January 13, 1915 – April 23, 2007

Much loved and 42-year parishioner passed away April 23th, 2007.
This page gathers some remembrances of Dena's rich and full life. She will be missed.

Dena Spofford at First Parish

Quick wit, sparkling eyes, energy, kind devoted lady, full of fun!

• Active member of Se-Lo-Ki
• FPC Assistant Treasurer for 21 years, Treasurer for 3 years!
• Sunday School teacher
• Christian Education Committee member
• Deacon(ess)
• Chairperson of the Church Community Action Committee
• Worked tirelessly on luncheons, receptions, special events, funerals, and celebrations.
• Chairperson for Church Apple Pie Festivals
• member of Church 3M Social Group
• Sugar Plum Fairs – Chair of food tables (with much personal baking)
• Instrumental in Quilters of FPC, and group that met at her home for many years and
  made beautiful handmade quilts).
• Christmas & Thanksgiving Baskets
• Guilding church tower clock and weathervane for 275th church anniversary. 
• Also at the anniversary, she donned a costume and road in the horse-drawn carriage.
• She could be seen at Best Breakfast, and helping to collate the monthly
  Newsletter each month
• She was a dedicated volunteer for many, many years at Parkland Medical Center
  until June, 2006; received Frist Award as Volunteer of the Year

Photos and More

Dena at Founders Day, May 7, 2006. Not feeling well that day, she told Marilyn Ham about posing for this picture "I'm only doing this for you"!

A photo of Dena in 1933 at age 18, from Pinkerton Academy

Dena and her beloved dog Buttons, from the 1996 FPC Directory.

In 1995, applying gold leaf to a tower clock number in preparation for the 275th Anniversary.

1994, in the FPC Library, posing with the quilt prepared for the 275th Anniversary. Pictured: Louise Andette, Marilyn Ham, Catherine Barrone, Dena Spofford, Melvin Watts, Ruth Watts.

Derry News Obituary

Altadena H. "Dena" Spofford

Altadena H. "Dena" Spofford, 92, of East Derry, N.H., died Monday, April 23, 2007 at the Parkland Medical Center, Derry.

She was born Jan. 13, 1915 in Chester, N.H. to Osman and Lotti (Grew) Spofford.

She was educated at Chester Elementary School followed by Pinkerton Academy, Class of 1933.

She worked at Public Service of New Hampshire from 1933 to 1977, except for five years out caring for her father.

She moved to E. Derry in 1962. After her retirement from Public Service at the age of 62, she spent her time volunteering in the community and at the First Parish Church, E. Derry and Parkland Medical Center until June 2006.

Altadena was a member of both the Chester Congregational-Baptist Church and First Parish Church, E. Derry, having been active in both as Sunday school teacher and on many committees. She enjoyed cooking, quilting and people in general.

She was predeceased by her parents and five siblings. Nearest of kin are three nieces and two nephews, Ruth Haskell, Patricia Lewis, Dorothy A. (Neily) MacDougal, Richard Perreault and Farish Lewis, and many 2nd and 3rd cousins and loads of dear friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: There will be no calling hours and a service will be held at the convenience of Dena's friends. Contributions may be made to one's choice. Dena asks you to remember your own loved ones. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is in charge of the arrangements. To send a condolence or for more information, please visit, www.peabodyfuneralhome.com.