Massena: Beryl Wirths Bond, age 93, formerly of 14 Chestnut St. Massena, NY, died Saturday January 7, 2017 surrounded by family. For the past 7 years she had lived close to son Jeff and his family in Shelburne, VT. Mom was devoted to her family, friends, church, community and country. She was born in 1923 to Roland Wirths and his wife Grace. A life of service began early in her hometown of Delhi, N.Y. as a founding member of a Brownie Troop, co-founder of the Business and Professional Women and writer for the Delaware Republican-Express and the Binghamton Sun. Mom moved to Massena in 1951 as Executive Director of the East St. Lawrence County Red Cross Chapter. After marrying in 1952, she volunteered in various Scouting capacities for twenty-five years, from Brownie leader to Cadette leader for the intellectually disabled. She co-founded the Sunshine Club for challenged children. Many will remember her as a journalist, columnist and feature writer for the Massena Observer and Courier-Observer: “Saddleburs and Sunsets,” “Reflections” (columns on Massena’s history), “As I Heard It” and “The Public Speaks” were all Mom’s work. As a member and later President of the Massena Central School Board, she was awarded the first “Friend of Education” citation by the Massena Central School Teachers Association. Her interests were varied, and she served over the years as an officer in the Massena Garden Club, Massena Arts Council, Sewing Club and North Country Library Board. She taught religious education at Emmanuel Congregational Church, authored a history of that church, and co-founded The Messenger (the church’s monthly newsletter). For twenty years she served as volunteer photographer and mentor for students at Trinity Catholic School. She seeded Trinity’s Catholic School Scholarship.
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