Stella E. Cilley

NEWMARKET — Mrs. Stella E. Cilley, 91, of Grant Road, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at Colonial Poplin Nursing Home, Fremont.

She was born Aug. 25, 1909, in Dixfield, Maine, the daughter of Jesse H. and Lydia (Holman) Smith and had resided in Newmarket since 1930.

She was a 1926 graduate of Robinson Female Seminary, Exeter, a 1928 graduate of Plymouth Normal School and received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1968.

Mrs. Cilley taught first grade in Epping and Nottingham for 14 years and wrote for several area newspapers for many years.

She was past master and secretary for the Piscassic Grange, Newfields; a member of the Fair Hearing Council of Newmarket; an active member of the Rockingham Extension Service; and past president of the Newmarket Women's Club.

She was a member of the Baptist Society of Newmarket Community Church, where she served as treasurer for many years. She was superintendent of the Sunday School program for 40 years; past president and secretary of the Friendly Club; and former secretary of the Parish Circle.

Mrs. Cilley was a former member of the Newmarket Budget Committee and was a member of the first Planning Board and served for several terms. She was the second lady jurist selected from Newmarket.

The widow of Norman O. Cilley, who died in 1982, she is survived by three sons, Richard Cilley of Caribou, Maine, Roger Cilley of Barrington and Robert Cilley of Newmarket; 10 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, 77 Exeter St., Newmarket.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Newmarket Community Church, with Rev. David Wuori, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Newmarket.