Sally S. Wentzell

COLEBROOK – Sally S. Wentzell, of Colebrook, passed away early Sunday morning, Feb. 23, 2020, at her home surrounded by the family she loved and who loved her dearly. She was one day shy of her 86th birthday. Sally was born Sally Morrison Swail on Feb. 24, 1934, in West Stewartstown, the only child of the late Dr. Clark E. and Doris Whittemore Swail (Trask). She had an idyllic childhood growing up on Parsons Street in Colebrook and graduated from Colebrook Academy, the Class of 1952. After graduation, she attended a nursing training program in Boston before returning to Colebrook where her first job was as a nursing assistant at the same hospital in which she was born. In 1955, she married Harold Wentzell, and they started a life of farming, first on Titus Hill before settling on the former Scott Farm on Reed Road where they lived for many years raising a family. Harold and Sally both loved to dance and they both dearly loved their family time which included snowmobiling in the winter and boating and picnicking on the many lakes of northern NH and Maine in the summer. In particular, they had a love of spending time every summer on Lake Mooselookmeguntic in the Rangeley, ME region. In the early 60s, Sally embarked on what would eventually be 52 years of service to the Town of Colebrook where she would go on to meet many people at both the local and state levels. She started as a part-time bookkeeper for the town. She also worked for the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Central Supply before going to work full time for the town. She filled many roles in her many years of service. She was secretary to the board of selectmen, tax collector, overseer of welfare, and town administrator before becoming the first Town Manager for the Town of Colebrook, a position she held until she retired. She worked as the clerk of court for the Colebrook District Court and she was also a bail commissioner for many years. She worked as the coordinator for the dispatch center for the Colebrook Police and Fire Departments. Her knowledge of the history of the town was instrumental in her assisting the State of New Hampshire Emergency Services when they implemented the 911 emergency services system in Colebrook. After retirement, she was elected the first Selectwoman for the Town of Colebrook and she was also eventually elected as a Colebrook Cemetery Trustee, a position she held until her death. She was also a volunteer at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital for many years and was a member of the Board of Overseers. Sally’s strong personality and laughter won her many friends around the state of New Hampshire in all levels of government. One never had to worry where they stood with her because her forthright manner made it abundantly clear. Her likes were strong and her dislikes were just as strong, and if she liked you, there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for you. Sally was predeceased by her husband, Harold, and siblings Jannice Baker and Clark Swail Jr. Sally was proud of her many accomplishments but none more than the pride she felt for her family. She and Harold had three daughters whom survive her: Stephanie (Bruce) Lyons of East Colebrook, Jadean (John) Barthelmes of Hopkinton, NH, and Alicia (Norman) Boire of Colebrook, and her “adopted” children, Millard Crawford and Virginia Early of Colebrook. She is also survived by eight grandchildren in whom she took great joy: Stephen (Kate) Lyons of Warwick, RI, Jennifer (Justin) Frizzell of Colebrook, Kimberly (Ethan) Casavant of Essex, VT, Dana (Jon) Mullins of West Milan, NH, Sarah (Adam Manley) Barthelmes of Chester, NH, Kathryn (fiancé Adam Colberg) Barthelmes of Saint Paul, MN, Daryl (fiancée Lisa Colavito) Boire of Chichester, NH and Trevor (Bridget) Boire of Roslindale, MA. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Kelly and Graydon Frizzell of Colebrook, Orion and Avery Casavant of Essex, VT, Wesley and Delaney Mullins of West Milan, NH, John and Cole Manley of Chester, NH and Rowan Boire of Roslindale, MA. At Sally’s request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a church service at the Errol Congregational Church in Errol, NH on March 15, and a graveside celebration of life in the spring at the Colebrook Cemetery, a place she loved dearly and spent many happy hours tending the graves of various family members and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Sally S. Wentzell

February 24, 1934 - February 23, 2020