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TOWNSEND, THE REV. MARCHETA P., 69
TOWNSEND, THE REV. MARCHETA P., 69, of Fairfax, a longtime pastor and district superintendent in The United Methodist Church, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 22 at Fletcher Allen Health Care. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on Jan. 24, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Annette (Grover) Pebbles. Marcheta was raised in the North Bloomfield, Ohio, area and received her college education at both Westminster College and Drew University. She began her ministry in The United Methodist Church with her ordination in 1968. On June 24, 1973, she was married to Lindsay Townsend, who survives her. Marcheta served as a pastor in The United Methodist Church for most all of her working life and even after retirement continued to minister to many families that were in need of her expert counseling and compassion. In Vermont, she served in many United Methodist parishes including Waterbury Center, Moretown, Hancock, Underhill, Jericho, Georgia, St. Albans Bay, Burlington, East Montpelier, Highgate Center and Isle La Motte. In addition, she was district superintendent for the Green Mountain District of the United Methodist Church, was co-founder and president of the Franklin-Grand Isle Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a member of the board of directors of Northwestern Counseling and Support Services, a member of the Franklin-Grand Isle Community Partners and a volunteer at Westview House in Burlington and school libraries in Isle La Motte and Fairfax. She enjoyed bird-watching and participated in many bird-watching events throughout Franklin and Grand Isle counties. Besides her husband, Lindsay, Marcheta leaves her children, Lynn Mayo, of Barre, Thomas Townsend, of Fairfax, and Mark Townsend, of Barre; and three grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Charles Pebbles, of Ohio, as well as several nieces, nephews and her four-legged pal, Buddy.
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