Edith Mary DeForest, 94, of Chester, died in Chester on Aug. 25. She was born in Plantsville on Dec. 16, 1915, youngest daughter of the late William Sylvester Deforest and Mary Ellen Donoghue. When she was 22 year’s old, she moved to Chester and lived the rest of her life at her family’s home on School Lane.

Edith applied for a job at Pratt Read & Company in 1937, and for 45 years she was the payroll clerk. When she retired in 1982, she became curator of the Pratt Read Ivory Museum, which was given to the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D.C., in 1989.

With her deep interest in the area’s history and her incredible memory, Edith continued to work until shortly before her death. She was the curator of the Deep River Historical Society until 1989 and had been helpful to all the area historical societies.

For many years she was happy to be the “go to” person for answers about the Connecticut River Valley history and personal genealogy searches.

Edith was involved in many, many charities and always had a good joke to tell. She also co-wrote a book, entitled Deep River and Ivoryton, and recently completed her memoirs of 45 years working at Pratt Read. Copies of her memoirs are available at area libraries and historical societies.

Edith is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St., Centerbrook, on Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Church on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m., followed by burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s local historical society or to the Deep River Historical Society, 245 Main St., Deep River, CT 06417.