Edith (Stevens) Start Bishop

PAXTON – Edith S. (Stevens) Start Bishop, 84, of 26 West Street, died peacefully in the presence of her loving family on Wednesday, November 10, 2004, in the Hospice residence in Worcester.

Her husband, Lawrence J. Bishop, died in 1972. She leaves three stepsons, Robert J. Bishop of Cocoa, Florida, Richard J. Bishop of Rockledge, Florida and Philip C. Start of Cherry Valley; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren including Philip D. Start of Charlton and Barbara A. Madore of Auburn; nephews and nieces. She was born in Paxton, daughter of Arthur F. and Effie (Hosmer) Stevens, and lived here all her life.

Mrs. Bishop graduated from South High School and Becker College both in Worcester. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years before retiring in 1984. She later worked as a social worker for the Red Cross of Central Massachusetts for 11 years, and was most recently the part time Outreach Coordinator for the Paxton Council on Aging.

She was a life long time member of the First Congregational Church of Paxton, serving as a member of the Deaconite for many years. She also, was very active in church organizations including the Evening Circle Fellowship and the Cookbook Committee. She was a member of the Paxtons Women’s Club and the local Grange #306, where she held several offices. During World War II, Mrs. Bishop served in the U.S. Coast Guard and became the only woman member of the American Legion Post #309 in Paxton.

The funeral service for Mrs. Bishop will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, in the First Congregational Church of Paxton, 1 Church Street, Paxton. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. A calling hour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA Care Network, Development Office, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden is directing arrangements.

Website: www.milesfuneralhome.com