On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, we celebrated a dedication in honor of Victoria Blodgett ‘80, a tireless and devoted volunteer for the school who for the past 11 years was an active member of the New Hampton School Board of Trustees. Victoria’s friends, family, fellow members of the Board of Trustees, and past and current faculty and staff of New Hampton School gathered in the newly renovated Gordon-Nash Library to celebrate the naming of the Victoria Blodgett ‘80 Reading Room.
“She exhibited servant leadership and grace, every step of the way.” – Karl Kimball, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, New Hampton School
The Blodgett Reading Room, a quiet room to the left of the main entrance, serves as a place for study and reflection and a shared space with the community to remind New Hampton School students of their responsibility to others. The front windows overlook New Hampton School’s academic row–a view that made her feel at home.
Head of School Joe Williams said, “Victoria was always mindful of the student experience and wanted to confirm we were not wavering from what she saw as the cornerstones of a sound educational program. It is that legacy that drove the decision to dedicate this space in her honor.”
Friends and family members remarked on Victoria’s ability to ask the right questions at the right time in the right manner, they remarked on her fantastical storytelling abilities, her intellectual thoughtfulness, and her contagious fun-loving nature.
Ed Blodgett, one of Victoria’s brothers, reflected, “I started to think of adjectives to describe Victoria; it was easy to come up with joyous and fun-loving and mischievous… funny and musical. But I hit on one that I think would sum it up–delightful. Victoria was delightful.”
Board of Trustees member Victoria Alden Hamilton Blodgett, 59, died of cancer on November 4, 2020, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, New Hampshire.
A daughter of Jean Brown Blodgett and William Winthrop Blodgett, Jr. Victoria was born in Norwalk, CT on October 20, 1961. She grew up in Wilton, CT, and graduated from New Hampton School in 1980. She received her BA in American Studies and her MA in Education from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire.
Victoria is survived by her partner of 31 years, Susan Overton of Quechee, VT; her 3 siblings: William W. Blodgett, III of Palm Beach, Fl; Jean Blodgett Bruns of Boxford, MA; Edward W. Blodgett of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; and 8 adored nieces and nephews.
Gifts in memory of Victoria should be directed to the New Hampton School Advancement Office at 70 Main Street, New Hampton, NH 03256 or donate online at www.newhampton.org/giving.
