GLOUCESTER: Agnes P. (May) Ernst, 94, of Englewood Road, Magnolia, passed away in the Addison Gilbert Hospital peacefully on November 21, 2007 with family members by her side. She was the wife of the late Walter M. Ernst who died in 1992.
Born in Magnolia on April 12, 1913, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Teckla (Hernquist) May. She was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Salem Commercial School, and the Lynn Data School.
She was an active member of the Union Congregational Church, where she was a teacher and treasurer of the Sunday School and treasurer and past-president of the Ladies Aid Society. She was also a devoted charter member and past-president of the Women’s Community Club of Magnolia. Her Swedish heritage was best demonstrated by her intricate cakes, her sought-after pies, irresistible baked goods and creative hors d’oeuvres. Her favorite past-times were creating hooked and braided wool rugs, knitting and crocheting afghans and sweaters, and baking – all for friends, family and special gatherings.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy J. and Chandler N. Davis of Annisquam, a son, John E. Ernst of Jacksonville, NC, five grandchildren, Alison L. Hodgkins and Erik P. and his wife, Patty Hodgkins all of Gloucester, Carolyn A. Futrell of Richlands, NC, Cathy L. Bonner of Jacksonville, NC and Tammy K. Hendrix of Springdale, AR, seven great-grandchildren, Michael J. and Kristina L. Hodgkins, Joshua A. and Ralph Ochoa, Catrina L. and Nikki K. Ernst and Tegan R. Hendrix, a special cousin, George Gilliss of Manchester-by-the-Sea and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Earleen Ernst, three sisters, Helen May, Florence Foster and Ethel Hanson, a brother-in-law, Edward Ernst and five sisters-in-law, Alice and her husband, Richard Rolland, Hannah Woodbury, Dorothy and her husband, Larry McWilliams, Effie and her husband Ed Snelson and Lillian Ernst.
Her funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 15th in the Union Congregational Church, Magnolia at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 14th in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 - 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. Interment will be held in the Magnolia Cemetery.