Dagmar A. Greenleaf Obituary (1924 - 2016)

MONSON- On January 11, 2016, Monson's oldest citizen, Dagmar Ryder Greenleaf, 91, joined her beloved family in Heaven. She was born in Greenville, August 2, 1924, to James F. and Isabelle McEachern Ryder. She graduated from Greenville High School and then went to work at Pratt & Whitney in CT as a "Rosie the Riveter" during WWII. It was there that she met her lifelong best friend, Bernie Poole. After the war she returned to Greenville and married a returning POW, SSgt Robert L. Greenleaf from Monson, on July 4, 1945. They bought a home in Monson where they raised six children, Susan, Jim, John, Jeff, Joel and Shelley. Her best friend, Bernie ended up marrying a Monson veteran also, and they lived across the street from each other for nearly 60 years. Dag worked as a clerk and school secretary, before becoming the Monson Postmaster, retiring October 1, 1989. She was also a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Monson. Dag was able to enjoy her retirement, traveling with family and friends. Her 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren were a very important part of her life, with most of them joining her on Lake Hebron at camp, at some point during the summer. Traveling with friends and family, and to U.S. Postal conventions, she experienced many parts of the U.S. and Europe. Dag was predeceased by her husband, Robert; a son, John; and a sister, Zelma Stevens. She is survived by a sister, Elena Mace; and a brother, Bruce Ryder both of CT. Dag will be deeply missed by her 5 children, Susan Flynn and her husband, James of VA, James Greenleaf and his wife, Margie of Monson, Jeffrey Greenleaf and his wife, Sandee of Windham, Joel Greenleaf and his wife, Margarita of OH, and Shelley Knowlton and her husband, Tim of Abbot; and all her grandchildren with whom she kept in touch with on Facebook, with an almost daily comment and encouragement. Dag was known for her many knitted and crocheted towels, dishcloths, afghans, shawls, sweaters, hats, socks and mittens. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the UCC church in Monson, with burial in the Hillside Cemetery in Monson. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Monson Historical Society, Monson American Legion or to the Monson Fire Dept. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford.