Esther Edith Moulthrop

04/10/2004

Esther Edith Moulthrop, 94, of the Old Homestead, 486 Bancroft Road, died Saturday at Calvin Coolidge Extended Care Facility in Northampton. Born in Becket on March 30, 1910, daughter of James B. and Edna Cross Turner, she was a 1926 graduate of Chester High School. She also graduated in 1928 from the former Westfield Normal School and, in 1961, earned a bachelor of science degree in education from its successor, Westfield State College, and her certification as a school librarian in 1967. Mrs. Moulthrop taught in Vermont and Massachusetts, retiring after 29 years. Active in church and community activities, she served in many capacities at First Congregational Church, including as Sunday school superintendent and Ladies' Guild president. She also was its longest living member. In addition, she was a trustee, secretary and volunteer librarian at the Becket Athenaeum and chairman of the Becket Historical Commission. As chairman, she edited "A History of Becket" and oversaw the registration of North Becket as the first rural historic district in the United States. Her husband, Wendell Stanton Moulthrop, former principal of Becket School, whom she married July 22, 1939, in East Haven, Vt., died Aug. 9, 1972. She leaves three daughters, Nancy M. Grasso of Richardson, Texas, Judith M. Sanders of Beaverton, Ore., and Holly M. Dowling of Easthampton; a sister, Iva T. Barstow of Hadley, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. FUNERAL NOTICE -- A Memorial Service for Esther T. Moulthrop, who died April 10, 2004, will be conducted Saturday, April 17, at 2 at First Congregational Church of Becket by the Rev. Michael Nash, pastor. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Becket Center Church or the Becket Athenaeum in care of WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. She was known especially for her warm hospitality and unstinting service to others as a way of life. She was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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