Norwich, VT - Virginia Lee Close, 91, died Thursday November 1, 2012 at home in Norwich surrounded by her family and friends.
She was born to Thomas and Bertha Close on August 29, 1921, in Worcester, MA. Her father worked for New England Telephone, and was transferred to White River Junction in the 1920s. Growing up on Tafts Flat, she attended the Hartford schools, then the University of Vermont, where she earned a BA. She pursued further education, earning a Master's Degree in History at the University of Connecticut, and ultimately a Bachelor's Degree in Library Science in 1951 from Simmons College. She started work at Dartmouth's Baker Library in 1945, first in circulation, then in the reference department. She was transferred to the Mt. Holyoke College library for 6 months, to fill in for the librarian who travelled to Africa on a research project. She was happy to return to Baker Library, where she was assistant librarian for a brief period of time. She preferred reference work, so returned to that department, and eventually became the Head Reference Librarian. She loved her work, and considered herself extremely fortunate to have a career that was so fulfilling. By the time she retired in 1993, she had added the titles of bibliographer and editor of the Dartmouth College Library Bulletin to her list of accomplishments. In 1986 she was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree, presented by then-president David McLaughlin with a citation reading "Through 41 of the library's 58 years, you have been one of its most precious resources. Indeed, it may be said that a reference librarian of your caliber is more to be treasured within a community of scholars than are the contents of a so-called Treasure Room, because even the rarest of rare books cannot enrich and enliven the work of an entire community as can a caring, talented person such as you. You, Miss Close, have enriched and enlivened the constituency here--students, faculty, visiting researchers, and fellow librarians--through your professional skill, as well as by your devotion, ingenuity, precision, perseverance, and modesty." This recognition was the other life accomplishment of which she was most proud. In retirement she researched a variety of subjects with Dr. Richard Hoefnagel, a preeminent geneticist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Their culminating work was the publication of a book titled Eleazar Wheelock and the Adventurous Founding of Dartmouth College. A lifelong interest in history led her to work with the Norwich and Vermont Historical Societies. In 2006 she received recognition from the Vermont Historical Society Achievement Awards Program as "a person who has made a significant contribution to the advancement and study of local history in our community." The best description of Virginia Close is provided by Norwich Historical Society president Nancy Osgood in her nomination for this award: "Virginia is an outstanding lady, a passionate researcher, the consummate librarian and historian. Quietly and methodically she is illuminating our history." Her most recent project was the preservation and conservation of some of Norwich's oldest and most fragile town records through creation of digitized files. Virginia was a familiar face at Norwich Selectboard, Planning Commission and Zoning Board meetings where her opinions, though not always popular, reflected her commitment to participative government at a community level. She was a longtime advocate for humane treatment of animals, a supporter of the rights of minorities and the disenfranchised, and multiple environmental and conservation causes. These she supported through years of philanthropy and numerous op ed pieces in various local publications.
Virginia was predeceased by her brother Thompson, in 1989; surviving her are her sister-in-law, Ardis Close residing at Valley Terrace White River Junction, nieces Elissa Close and husband Christopher Brady of Starksboro, VT; Ellen Close DesMeules, husband Peter and daughters Emily and Hadley of North Pomfret, VT, and her nephew Stuart Close, his wife Kristin and children Greta and Bridger of Norwich.
Evening calling hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home, 903 Hartford Avenue (formerly Taft Ave) in White River Jct., on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 5-7; a memorial service will be held in Tracy Hall in Norwich, on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 am followed by private internment.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of VT and NH 66 Benning Street, West Lebanon, NH 03784