SOUTH LYNDEBOROUGH – Mary Sanborn Gage, 81, of South Lyndeborough, New Hampshire passed away on October 7, 2010. Attending both Smith and Wellesley Colleges, Mary worked in the equine industry for many years, notably as editor for a national horse publication. An accomplished horsewoman, Mary served as the first Master of the Hounds in 1958 for the then newly formed Tanheath Hunt Club in Ashland, MA. Also a talented artist, Mary’s technique would be compared to the great Old European Masters and her commissioned work hangs in many private collections throughout the world.

In 2004, battered and beaten, Mary found herself in the headlines as her tormented life as a victim of both spousal and elder abuse made news across the country. With many to support her and a community to protect her, she was fortunate to escape a marriage of more than forty years that had been filled with pain, and she would sadly spend her remaining years a prisoner in her own body as a result of this abuse. With her head held high, Mary became an advocate for victim’s rights, holding court from her wheelchair, enjoying her tight knit circle of close friends, sharing stories and memories of happier times.

Mary will be remembered as a survivor who chose her words, her actions and her friends carefully. Witty, compassionate and caring, she will be missed by all who truly knew her.

Sharing a bond thicker than blood, Mary is survived by her close confidantes and friends Petr Lord of Greenfield, Liesl Clark and Lee Gifford, both of Lyndeborough, Sam and Martha Rogers of Hollis, Helene Greaney of Dennis, MA and many other dear friends.

At her request, funeral services will be private. Donations in her memory can be made to http://www.bridgesnh.org/ or http://www.newenglandequine rescues.com.