Miriam C. Henderson

OXFORD – Miriam C. Henderson (Mid or Midge), 98, of Oxford, died Sept. 27, 2023, at home.Miriam Vida Culbert was born in Oxford on July 26, 1925, the daughter of Theodore and Vida (Smith) Culbert. She was raised in Oxford and graduated valedictorian from Oxford High School in 1942 where she was a member of the basketball team. She often shared her fond memories of growing up in Oxford Village with her loving parents, riding bikes, roller skating, standing on her head, swimming at Pismo Beach, and spending time with her best friend Beryl Culbert and her grandparents in Otisfield. During the Depression, she lived for a time in Hebron where her parents worked at Hebron Academy, and where at the age of five she met lifelong friend, Rachel Field.She attended Bates College before enrolling in the Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing, Lewiston, graduating in 1947. She completed a certificate in the Theory and Practice of Nursing of Communicable Diseases at the Charles H. Chapin Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island in 1945. While working in the nursing program, she contracted tuberculosis and, consequently, resided at the Western Maine Sanatorium in Hebron, Maine for about two years.She married Richard (Dick) Barker Henderson, of Norway, Maine, in 1951 after his service in the U.S. Navy, who she had met at a dance in Norway a number of years earlier. They resided in Newton, Massachusetts while Dick completed a degree in aeronautical engineering at Boston University. Upon his graduation in 1955, they moved to Nashua, New Hampshire, where Dick was employed by Sanders Associates. They lived in Nashua for 25 years where they raised their four children, Michael, Mary, Robert, and Marsha.In 1967, she completed her New Hampshire Board of Nursing Education and Nursing Registration (with Maine endorsement). While in Nashua, Midge practiced nursing at Nashua Memorial Hospital, Nashua Orthopedics, and as a private duty nurse. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Nashua, the Nashaway Woman’s Club, and was a regular volunteer at the polls.Eventually, Midge and Dick once again became Maine residents when they returned to Maine to live at “The Farm,” in Oxford, which until then was their summer residence. The Farm was also known as Wildcat Farm when owned by Dick’s grandfather (Dr. Frank N. Barker, of Norway). Midge was a nurse at the Market Square Health Center for many years, while Dick owned and operated Lessco Engineering, selling Kubota tractors and log homes. She loved a crowd and welcomed all to her home. Countless parties, gatherings, and ball team cookouts were hosted by Midge at the Farm. She was an avid race fan, enjoying many Saturday nights at the races. She also enjoyed cooking, skiing, and tennis.Miriam is survived by daughter Mary (Austin) Taylor of Portland, son Robert B. Henderson of Oxford, daughter, Marsha J. Chagnon of Amherst, NH, granddaughter, Mellissa S. Cobbett, granddaughter Rachel M. Taylor, grandson Christopher M. Henderson, grandson, Mark R. Henderson, and great-grandchildren, Bryce Atkisson, Blake Atkisson, Carter Henderson, and Carley Henderson.She was predeceased by husband, Richard, in 1992, son, Michael C. Henderson, son-in-law, Charles Chagnon, a close cousin Marian Culbert, and an infant sister, Norma.Midge was full of fun, loved by all, and is dearly missed. A memorial celebration will be held at the Henderson Farm, 1488 Main Street, Oxford, on Saturday, July 6th, at 11 AM.Miriams’s final resting spot will be Elmwood Cemetery in Otisfield. For anyone desiring to make a charitable gift in her memory, the family suggests donations be made to the Oxford Congregational Church, 252 King Street, Oxford, ME 04270. Arrangements are under the care of Hall Funeral Home, Casco, Maine.

Miriam C. Henderson