Wiona B. Mauser

Dover - Wiona B. Mauser, 100, of Langdon Place of Dover Assisted Living, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, after a period of failing health. Born on December 12, 1920, in West Kennebunk, ME, Wiona was the daughter of Claud and Mina (Marsh) Kendall.  After living much of her childhood on a farm in Kingston, NH, Wiona moved as a teen to Rochester, where her father built a home for his family.  She graduated from Rochester High School at age 16. While working as a secretary at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1941, Wiona met the love of her life, Wendell, a machinist at the Yard.  They married in 1942.  A few years later, they built their own home on Chestnut Hill Road in Rochester, next door to her parents.  Wiona also worked as a secretary to the owner of Hubbard Shoe and Judge Hardwick.  All her life, she had a habit of keeping notes and lists written in shorthand on her kitchen counter.  It was highly frustrating to us as nosy kids. Together, Wendell and Wiona raised five children who were the center of Wiona's life.  She was a devoted and loving mother who instilled in her children a love of reading, learning, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, playing board games, and enjoying the great outdoors.  She never made it to Fenway but enjoyed watching all the Red Sox games on TV.  Wiona loved ice fishing and going on train rides and hikes with her family.  She always said her favorite food was a hot dog cooked over a campfire.  Wiona also found great enjoyment in her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Perhaps her greatest gift to her children was a lesson she taught by her own example.  She inspired us all to live by the Golden Rule, with compassion and empathy.  It has served us all well and we are so grateful. In 2010, Wiona lost Wendell, her beloved husband of 68 years.  In 2016, at age 96, she started a new chapter in her life when she sold her home and moved into an assisted living apartment at Langdon Place of Dover.  She enjoyed her four years in this community very much, taking part in activities and entertainment.  To her great surprise, she discovered she loved Bingo.  Wiona never lost her love of reading and games, regularly trouncing her children at Scrabble, even at 99.  She will forever be remembered as the loving, selfless center of our family, always there to offer support and hugs.  She will be so dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know her. Wiona was predeceased by her husband, Wendell A. Mauser; her three brothers, Robert Kendall, Alec Kendall, and Alvin Kendall.  Wiona is survived by her sons, Richard Mauser and wife, Susan, of Brookfield, Howard Mauser, of Pepperell, MA, Franklin Mauser and wife, Karen, of Lady Lake, FL, David Mauser and partner, Sue Kantargis, of Rochester; her daughter Virginia Murray and husband, Joseph, of Rochester.  Wiona is survived by six grandchildren: Lindy Hanson, Sarah Foster, Nina Mauser, Kenneth Mauser, Caitlin Mauser Rowe, and Rebecca Mauser-Hoye.  She is also survived by nine great grandchildren: Carter, Cooper, Amelia, Graham, Erik, Elsa, Hattie, Wesley, and Adeline. The Mauser family would like to thank all of the staff of Langdon Place of Dover for making Wiona's last years so happy and for keeping her safe during this terrible last year of Covid-19.  Thank you for allowing us to share our mother's last days and for caring for her at the end as if she were your own mother.  We will never forget that, or all of you.  We would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Wentworth Hospice for their compassionate care during this sad time. Due to Covid, there will be no visiting hours.  Burial and family graveside service will be in the spring at Rochester Cemetery.  Arrangements are in the care of Edgerly Funeral Home, Rochester.  The family plans to hold a celebration of life when it is safe to gather again.