Ann L. (Nye) Lilly

Ann Lonsdale (Nye) Lilly, 86, of Main Street, Ashfield died March 24, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

She was born in Northampton, March 11, 1932, the daughter of Robert H. and Hazel L. (Callahan) Nye.

She attended Ashfield schools, starting in the one room Plain School, then on to the new Sanderson Academy where she graduated in the class of 1950.  She continued her education through the years at Northampton Commercial College, University of New Hampshire for library courses, and computer courses in Westfield.  

She was in library work for over 50 years, and created the Sanderson Academy Elementary School Library.  She served over 20 years as Trustee of the Belding Memorial Library, later serving as librarian and was an employee of the Western Mass Regional Library System, out of Forbes Library, Northampton, MA.  Her greatest pleasure was working with teenagers, first at Mohawk Trail Regional High School and most recently had a wonderful 12 years as librarian at The Academy of Charlemont.  She retired in 2004.

Ann was proud of being a life-long native of Ashfield and served on many local committees.  She was a member and past deaconess of the First Congregational Church and for many

Years a contributor to the annual fairs with handcrafted items.  She was Secretary of the Ashfield Historical Society, and helped compile the 2nd History of Ashfield.

She promoted the organizations her children were involved with through the years. 

She and her husband D. Wallace Lilly Jr were members of the Country Cousins Square Dancers group and entertained many friends with spirited Sunday night card games at their home.  He died April 1, 1996 after 36 years of married life.

“Living in the center of town, growing up together with my brothers, spending long hours at Ashfield Lake in summer, skating at Shattuck’s Pond in winter, walking to school with friends, and listening to the Town Hall bell ring twice daily made for an idyllic childhood experience.”

Ann was known as the “lady who walked.”  She loved to read, enjoyed long driving trips, bird-watching, spent hours knitting, sewing, and solving crossword puzzles.  She had a life-long interest in all sports following many local high school teams and was an avid Red Sox fan.  She was especially proud of her three  grandchildren’s outstanding athletic abilities, and their pursuits of college degrees.

Survivors include 2 sons Richard W. Lilly and husband Daniel Chess of NYC, Steven W. Lilly and wife Sandra of Ashfield; daughter Regina Ann Carmichael and husband Alan R. Carmichael Jr. of Lago Vista, TX; 3 grandchildren Lindsey Ann Carmichael Blackwell and husband Jonathan of Austin, TX, Michael W. Lilly and wife Sierra and great-grandchild Cooper Lilly of Thompson Falls, MT and Heidi L./ Lilly of NYC and brother Norman N. Nye of Ashfield.  She leaves nieces Marylyn Young of N.M., Judy Nye of Holyoke,MA ,Susan Nye and her partner Todd Gerry, Timothy and Barry Nye all of Ashfield.  Two brothers Harland R. Nye and Douglas H. Nye predeceased her. 

There will be a service in the spring at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Plain Cemetery, Ashfield.

There are no calling hours.

It is suggested donations be made to Belding Memorial Library, P.O. Box 407, Ashfield, MA 01330.

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