Mary A. Gesel

Mary A. Gesel passed on Sunday August 8, 2021 at her home in Chester, surrounded by family. Her 96th birthday was celebrated by a steady stream of loved ones throughout the day.

Mary was born August 6, 1925 to Ernest and Anna (DelBianco) Basset. She lived in the Buffalo NY area until 1960, when she and her husband, Fran, moved their growing family to Chester, NH. There, they owned and operated Spollett's General Store for nearly 4 decades.

Mary was known for her excellent cooking and always prepared enough food for her growing family and for unexpected guests. She was upbeat, grateful, easy-going, gentle, and adoring. She loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. Mary loved good food, good company, and enjoyed television (Perry Mason, Wagon Train, and Jeopardy were among her favorites). Even when they joined her as senior citizens, Mary remained dedicated to her children. She was a woman of faith and parishioner of St. Peter's Church.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francis X. Gesel in 2009; three children, Rosemary Hatch, Michael Gesel and Janine Gesel; and a sister, Gina Thomas.

Mary is survived by 11 children, Deanna Bradley of Exeter, Francis Gesel, Jr. of Leominster, MA, Martin Gesel of Drummond, MT, Therese Gesel-Towne of Bedford, Mary Cmejla of Manchester, Catherine Gagne of Alberton, MT, Jason Gesel of Drummond, MT, Jude Gesel of Lancaster, Jerome Gesel of Chester, Joan Abrams of Cambridge, MA and Justine Ouwerkerk of Chester; 46 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Alexander of Ohio, and nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn.

After cremation, private burial will be at Smyth Road Cemetery in Chester at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Precious Blood Monastery, 700 Bridge St., Manchester, NH 03104.