Published in the May 8, 2018 edition.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Melvina Elizabeth Farrell Rumson, 99, passed away in Asheville on May 2, 2018. Seven days earlier she had joyfully celebrated her birthday surrounded by family members. She was the daughter of the late Amelia Baker Farrell and Christopher Farrell of Everett, Mass.
Born on April 25, 1919 in Everett, Melvina graduated from Everett High School in 1937 and soon after married William Carswell Rumson (d.1982). They moved to Wakefield in the mid-1950’s where they raised their children. A devoted wife and loving mother, in her last days, Melvina (Nana), was in awe of the legacy that she and Bill (Papa) had created.
She loved being around her family and took great pleasure in baking and cooking. She spent hours each week perfecting her knitting and crochet projects, often giving her creations as gifts. She loved teaching these arts to her grandchildren.
Melvina greatly enjoyed Rumson family gatherings over the years involving Bill’s five sisters: Effie, Nellie, Mae, Emma, and Dot and their families. Later in life Melvina and Bill joined a couples bowling league and various bingo halls provided opportunities to meet new friends. Melvina maintained a loving friendship with Helen Ross, of Winchester and White Horse Beach, Mass, for 72 years. The two were like sisters.
Melvina was known to rarely have a bad word for anyone, unless it was a grandchild trying to bend the rules during a game of Chicago Rummy around the dining room table. She was a staunch competitor and never let anyone win except on their own merit, even if they were very young and just learning the game.
Always an avid reader, Melvina also kept her mind active with programs like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She had an impressive intellect and although she did not pursue a career outside the home, Melvina passed on her love of libraries, learning, and her sense of wonder about the world to her children and grandchildren.
Melvina is survived by her five children and their spouses; William (Kay) Rumson, David (Janet) Rumson, Paul (Barbara) Rumson, Gerald (Bette) Rumson and Melanie (Leo) Taylor. Melvina is also survived by her 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family is currently planning a celebration of her life.
