Obituary of Grace C. Fenno

Grace Christopherson Fenno, age 94, of Canajoharie passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Palatine Nursing Home. Born June 4, 1926, she was the daughter of Wilbur Reed Christopherson and Elizabeth Phillips Christopherson of Burlington, Vermont. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1944 and from Smith College in 1948, majoring in bacteriology. In 1948, Grace wed John Starkweather Fenno, who predeceased her in 2011 after 62 years of marriage. Early in their marriage, Grace was employed as a medical technician in Hanover, NH. As they raised their family, Grace and John lived in New Hampshire, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and New York before settling in Canajoharie in 1964. Grace was a member of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie. With her husband, she was a founding member of Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Service, serving for 25 years. She served on the board of the Canajoharie Library and Arkell Museum, including serving as president during the expansion that was completed in 2007. She was also a member of the Fort Rensselaer Club, the Colonial Club, the Otsego Sailing Club and the Scotch Valley Ski Patrol. Throughout her life she enjoyed outdoor activities and promoted her family’s love of skiing and sailing. In later years, she took up rug hooking with a group of her friends in the area. Following her husband’s death, she resided at Arkell Hall in Canajoharie. She is survived by their three sons, J. Christopher Fenno (Joan Olson) of Ann Arbor, MI, Daniel P. Fenno of Epping, NH, Nathan R. Fenno (Nancy) of Canajoharie; grandsons Jacob Fenno of Philadelphia PA and Jesse Fenno of Hamilton, MT; her brother Phillips Christopherson (Barbara) of Sterling, MA; John’s brothers H. Lincoln Fenno (Dencie) of Barefoot Bay, FL, Stephen W. Fenno of Farmington ME; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband John, she was predeceased by her sister Jane Christopherson of Moscow, VT. A memorial service will be held on June 26, 2021 at 2pm at the Reformed Church of Canajoharie, 15-19 Front Street, with Rev. Matt Draffen officiating. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the Reformed Church of Canajoharie or to the Canajoharie Library and Arkell Museum. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Please sign the online guestbook for Mrs. Fenno at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.