1924 – 2003

RUMFORD – Emma E. Viger, 78, died peacefully at home with her loving family by her side Wednesday, Aug. 20, on the Swift River Road.

She was born in Rumford, on Aug. 28, 1924, a daughter of Merle and Angelina (Fisher) Richardson, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford with the Class of 1942.

She was formerly employed at W.T. Grant Co. and was also an Avon Representative. She was a Communicant of St. Athanasius – St. John Church, member of the Swasey-Torrey Post 100, American Legion Auxiliary of Dixfield, and former member and treasurer of the Peru Extension.

She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she also enjoyed shopping with her daughters. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially Christmas Eve gatherings.

She will be so dearly missed. She was married on Jan. 22, 1945 at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City to the late Wilfred H. “Chick” Viger who died in Lewiston, on Feb. 15, 2001.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Norman (Louise) Blais and Mrs. Rodney (Brenda) Howitt of Rumford, Miss Marlene Viger of North Billerica, Mass., and Mrs. Chris (Sandra) Hebert of Dixfield; five sons, Dr. David Lee Durham and wife Chen-Ying, their daughter, Auncie and son, Beau of Boerne, Texas, Wilfred “Chickie” Viger Jr. and wife Chris of Marston Mills, Mass., Wayne Viger and wife Carolyn of Turner, Roger Viger and fiancé Cindy Arsenault of Rumford, Robert Viger and wife Connie of Las Cruces, N.M.; 23 grandchildren, Pam Welch, Debra and Robbie Blais, David, Doug and Angela Howitt, Emily French, Jessie and Heath Viger, Chrissie, Maryellen Carrier, Roger Jr., James and David Viger, Robert, Michele, Thomas and Heather Viger, Christi Wilson, Don, Corey, Jesee and Dan Hebert; and 27 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Pascal of Groton, Conn., Raymond of Portsmouth, N.H., John of East Andover, Roger of Rumford, and Steve Richardson of Dade County, Fla.; a sister, Marie Jessup of Fairview, Ore.

She was predeceased by a son, David Merle Viger; sister, Lorraine Vodola; and brothers, Merle and Richard Richardson.