When Josephine Fearon was a part of developing the Bedford Women’s Club scholarships, she was happy to provide a check to the chosen student – for $25.

Now, more than 60 years later, Fearon, 96, is still contributing to the club, although the amount given in scholarships has gone up since it first began, to two scholarships of about $1,000.

During a Thursday, May 22, Bedford Women’s Club lunch, Fearon was honored for her 70 years of involvement with the group, and on Thursday, May 29, a tree was scheduled to be planted at the Bedford Town Offices in her honor.

“She still has a very sharp wit, and a very sharp mind for 96,” said Fearon’s close friend Madonna Repeta. “She lives on her own, does her own gardening, cooks and reads.”

Reading is one of Fearon’s passions, as she had a bag full of them to return to Repeta when they got together before the lunch.

Fearon was a guidance counselor at Manchester West High School for 18 years, and was a member of the Bedford School Board from 1942-46. It was during her time as Women’s Club president in the early 1940s that Fearon began the scholarship program.

“My best memory of the 70 years has been establishing the scholarships,” said Fearon. “The Rotary Club was doing it, so we passed the hat and came up with $23.73. I went home and told my husband, and he helped me get it so it was $25 even.”

The 96-year-old remained modest as Repeta listed Fearon’s accomplishments during the presentation. She interrupted, joking, “OK, that is enough.” Of her lengthy accomplishments, establishing the scholarship fund remains at the top.

“I guess I am proud that it’s continued and grown,” she said. “It’s nice to see that membership has grown as well.”

Nancy Herper, who is currently in charge of the scholarship fund, said Fearon’s spirit for the town of Bedford is one of her best qualities.

“Josephine impresses me as a woman who always appreciated the value of community,” said Herper. “You have to appreciate her sense of humore and her detailed memory of Bedford history.”

Fearon wrote a book on the town’s history, one that many students use at the library as research when doing projects in school.

Having lived in Bedford for so long, Fearon takes pride in the town she lives in.

“I wanted to see the community grow, and continue to progress the way it has be going,” she said.

Fearon was a guidance counselor at Manchester West High School for 18 years, and was a member of the Bedford School Board from 1942-46. It was during her time as Women’s Club president in the early 1940s that Fearon began the scholarship program.

“My best memory of the 70 years has been establishing the scholarships,” said Fearon. “The Rotary Club was doing it, so we passed the hat and came up with $23.73. I went home and told my husband, and he helped me get it so it was $25 even.”

The 96-year-old remained modest as Repeta listed Fearon’s accomplishments during the presentation. She interrupted, joking, “OK, that is enough.” Of her lengthy accomplishments, establishing the scholarship fund remains at the top.

“I guess I am proud that it’s continued and grown,” she said. “It’s nice to see that membership has grown as well.”

Nancy Herper, who is currently in charge of the scholarship fund, said Fearon’s spirit for the town of Bedford is one of her best qualities.

“Josephine impresses me as a woman who always appreciated the value of community,” said Herper. “You have to appreciate her sense of humore and her detailed memory of Bedford history.”

Fearon wrote a book on the town’s history, one that many students use at the library as research when doing projects in school.

Having lived in Bedford for so long, Fearon takes pride in the town she lives in. “I wanted to see the community grow, and continue to progress the way it has be going,” she said.