Agnes E. Drumm

September 26, 1923 - February 23, 2021 Agnes was born to Daniel and Randi Dahlen in Rock Island, IL. Her adventurous spirit and personal strength came from her heritage, hailing back to the Vikings and first king of Norway. The Depression and War equipped her and husband of 55 years, Manuel Drumm, to raise 6 kids. They saved money on vacation by camping across the country; kids slept under the car, parents in the tent. They stretched the budget with casseroles made out of anything, Spam, and white bread with oleo. Agnes became the family nurse using steam tents for colds, ace bandages, and lots of Band-Aids. She kept a tidy house and garden by using child labor; “When one works, we all work!” She knew how to have fun. She danced through the kitchen singing Broadway hits, inspiring us to join her. At 82, the Grand Canyon was not a place to see but a place to dance with American Indians. She loved neighborhood picnics, square dancing, painting, bridge, piano playing, sewing, and swimming. She started working in 1939 at John Deere Tractors, who promised her a job anytime; at 81 she reconsidered the offer. At 52, she earned a degree in Special Education (“I practiced on my own kids first”). She was a gifted teacher in Springfield, MA before inclusion was popular. She proudly walked her students through the city teaching them public skills, as well as classroom lessons. After her husband died, she announced “I’m spending your father’s money!” She bought a home and boat on Lake Ossipee, NH. She fearlessly sailed down the bay, unafraid of capsizing. At 72, she regularly rode frigid rapids on an inner tube with grandchildren. Donning wide-brimmed hats, she and 6 “older” ladies would cruise the lake, waving to all. She outlived most of her friends and leaves a lasting legacy for 6 children (Dusty, Randi, Stephen, Curtis, Felicia, Suzy), 16 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. She rests as she lived – in joy! Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Berry Bay Association, PO Box 258 or The Public Library, PO Box 159, both in Freedom, NH 03836. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Agnes E. Drumm please visit our Sympathy Store.