Edith (Frances) Anderson March

Edith (Frances) Anderson March of Milford, NH, born January 29, 1929 died on May 7, 2021 at the age of 92 years. She was born in Boston to Katrina (Mynders) B. Anderson and the Reverend Edgar W. Anderson. She spent her childhood living in the parsonage of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Watertown, MA with her three siblings, was schooled at the Buckingham School and went on to study European History at Smith College, where she graduated with honors in 1950. She married Philip E. March, DPM and was mother to three children: Elizabeth B. March, MSW (’51), Philip A. March, DVM (’55) and Jonathan P. March, DO (’58). She spent the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s in Nashua, NH. Besides raising her three children, she also completed a Masters of Library Science degree at Simmons College in the late 60’s and began a long career as a librarian.

She worked in various jobs but spent many of her professional years at Hollis Area High School, where she inspired many middle and high schoolers with her love of books and media. She ended her career by bringing her talents to the Daland Memorial Library in Mont Vernon, NH. So many lives were touched by her through her work, and to this day we suspect that the number of avid book readers, and indeed the rate of Southern NH literacy, is higher thanks to her efforts!

Edith was also devoted to the Episcopal Church throughout her life. After marrying, she became a congregant at Nashua’s Church of the Good Shepherd, where she gave of her time in church school, and on various church committees. During her final decades, and after her move to Milford, NH, she became a pillar of the Church of Our Saviour Episcopal parish. There too she gave tirelessly of her time and spirit. Her church community became her second family.

She also spent many years volunteering her talents teaching English to immigrants through the ESL (English as a Second Language) program. Even into her 90’s she brought her love of literacy and the English language to people from around the globe. Among the treasured items on her desk were photos showing men and women clutching diplomas, a testimony to their mastery of this new and difficult language.

Edith was a devoted grandmother to her beloved grandsons, Zachary Buscher (’85), Galen March (’95), and Erik March (’98) and loved every minute she spent with them. She was also proud great grandmother to Benjamin Buscher (’14) and brother Kieran Buscher (’18).

She was a scholar of the English language, an ace Scrabble player, a whiz at Bridge and Pinochle, a lover of dogs and cats, Lake Sebago, opera, Jeopardy and a good book.

She will be sorely missed by her family, by her enormous extended family in greater Milford and Nashua, and by all she touched during her long life. She was predeceased by sisters Dorothy Tichanuk and Mary Williams. She is survived by brother William Anderson, PhD of Berkeley, California, and by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the Reverend Hank Junkin and the COOS community, devoted neighbors Linda Freeman and Vicki Peterson, and all the many friends and community members who provided their unwavering love and support throughout Edith’s life and in her final days.

A celebration of Edith’s life is planned for late summer/early autumn at the Church of Our Saviour in Milford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edith’s honor may be made to either The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Wadleigh Library Development Designated Fund or the Bernice Clay Fund for Lifelong Learning. To donate, please visit www.nhcf.org or mail a check directly to the Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com