Alfreda Noel

ATHOL-Alfreda (Ross) Noel, formerly of 383 East River Street, Orange, and of Athol, died Friday, November 1, 2002 in Quabbin Valley Healthcare. Her husband Henry Noel died in 1971, and her first husband, Frederic G. Tessier, died in 1961. She leaves three children: Lucille T. Chagnon of Wilmington, Delaware; Fred G. Tessier of Lake Helen, Florida, and Claudia J. Tessier of Washington, D.C.; two sisters, Leona Jarvis of Shelburne Falls and Helene Abare of Florida; 6 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A sister, Dorothy Purple, died in 1994. She was born in Troy, NH, Jan. 21, 1916, a daughter of Alfred and Cora (Frazier) Ross, and was a lifelong resident of the Athol-Orange area. She graduated from Athol High School with the class of 1932. Mrs. Noel with her husband Fred owned and operated Ray's Pharmacy from 1935 until she sold it in 1963 following his death. She subsequently owned the Knit and Purl for nearly 20 years, first in Orange and then in Athol, retiring in 1990 following its sale. A lifetime member of Our Lady Immaculate Church, she was a past president and active member of the Catholic Women's League, as well as a Youth Council Leader. She was an accomplished seamstress and artist. In 1998, Haley's Antiques displayed a collection of her oil, watercolor, and pastel paintings in a one-woman show. She also braided rugs, did tole painting and made numerous quilts. The Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2002 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours in the J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, are 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 5. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western Mass. Chapter, 11 Campus Lane, Easthampton, MA 01027, or to the charity of one's choice. $(document).ready(function(){ });