Harriet Gilchrist

OXFORD - Harriet A. (McLean) Gilchrist, 92, died Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Lanessa Extended Care in Webster. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Alexander R. Gilchrist who died in 2009. She is survived by her daughter, Christina M. St. Martin and her husband Gerald of Oxford; three daughters-in-law, Marilyn Gilchrist of Plymouth, Paula Gilchrist of Paxton, and Catherine Rivers of Oxford; six grandchildren, Jessica M. Gilchrist of Watertown, Heather M. Davis and her husband Jonathan of Oxford, Elizabeth M. Gilchrist and her husband Jeffrey Einhorn of Brooklyn, NY, Scott M. St. Martin of Brooklyn, NY, Robert A. Gilchrist of Rockland, and Olivia Aziz of Paxton; four great grandchildren, Nathan A. Davis, Abigail R. Davis, and Cameron E. Davis, all of Oxford, and Izobel A. Gilchrist of Rockland; and nephews and nieces in Scotland, Canada, and Australia. She was predeceased by two sons, Alexander Gilchrist and Grant Gilchrist. She was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the daughter of the late Thomas and Christina (McDonald) McLean, and lived in Scotland for many years and Worcester for several years, before moving to Oxford 52 years ago. Mrs. Gilchrist was a bookkeeper at the Four Seasons Travel Agency in Worcester for 25 years, retiring in 1989. While living in Scotland, she served in the British Royal Air Force. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Scotland and was a member of the Daughters of Scotia. Mrs. Gilchrist was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford, as well as a member of the Woman's Fellowship at the church. She enjoyed going to the Oxford Senior Center and participated in many activities there, including chair yoga and line dancing. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting and reading. She traveled extensively throughout her life, including trips to Scotland, Canada, Australia, Bermuda, and Hawaii, and she enjoyed traveling with her husband in their camper throughout the country. Harriet's family wishes to thank the staff at Lanessa Extended Care for the patience and care given to Harriet over the last few months of her life. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours are Friday, February 25, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 585, Oxford, MA 01540.