October 07, 1922 – December 31, 2020
Eunice Emily (Flanders) Degel, a resident of Reading for 73 years, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on December 31, 2020. She was 98 years of age. Eunice was born in Springfield, Vermont on October 7, 1922, the daughter of the late Ernest V. and Clare (Bosworth) Flanders.
Eunice attended Green Mountain College and the School of Domestic Science. During World War II Eunice worked for the Fellows Gear Shaper Co. in Springfield, Vermont but decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a W.A.V.E. on January 13, 1944, and served proudly working in the Naval Disbursement office in Brooklyn, NY until the end of the war in 1946. On VJ Day (Victory in Japan) she met her husband Ernest Degel at the Time Square NY celebration and they were married that year.
They moved to Reading in 1947 where Eunice was active in the First Congregational Church of Reading as a Deacon, member of the Women’s Circle, and helped start the first church fair with her husband. Eunice was a member of the Reading Women’s Club, the Stoneham Music Association, and the Reading Library Foundation.
Eunice loved Vermont and in 1961 purchased a farm in Danville, Vermont where she loved to entertain family and friends. Lake George was a favorite of hers having honeymooned there and spent most summers camping on the lake. Her other passion was travel which she enjoyed with family and friends. After raising her family she worked for a few years for Compu Graphic in Wilmington, MA.
When interviewed about her life just prior to her 90th birthday by her grandson, Daniel Clarke, Eunice stated: “As I reflect on my first 90 years of life I am blessed to have had such a great family both in my parents but also in my children and grandchildren. I have also been thankful for my wonderful friends who have enriched my life. Most of all I am proud of my frugal Vermont heritage and my heredity in having great genes which has afforded me a very healthy life!” Little did she know she would live to be 98 years old!
Eunice was the beloved wife of the late Ernest T. Degel. Loving mother of Barbara D. Clarke and her husband Harold of Hingham and Richard F. Degel of Reading and his loving partner Debra Milliken of Somerville. Loving grandmother of Daniel G. Clarke of Lynn and David E. Clarke and his wife Amber of Hull. Matthew Degel and his wife Keeley of Marion, Iowa, Christopher Degel and his wife Elizabeth of Reading, Allison Degel Sigsbury, and her husband Robert of Wilmington. Loving great grandmother of Owen and Elsie Degel, Charlotte Degel, and Thomas Sigsbury. Cherished sister of the late Ralph N. Flanders.
Due to the pandemic, funeral services and burial are private and there are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eunice’s memory to the Springfield Hospital on line at www.springfieldhospitalgiving.org or mail to Anna Smith Vice President of Marketing & Development Springfield Hospital 25 Ridgewood Road Springfield, VT 05156. Please specify donation is for Eunice Deg
