In Memoriam: Gramma Lucille

There is a hole in my heart. My beloved grandmother, oh so loving grandmother, died.

Kayalá and I traveled to see her one last time, and I am so, so thankful we did.

Kayalá snuggled close to Gramma. Here are the two of them with my Aunt Mary:

I can't really write any more in emotional terms about Gramma right now, as the loss is still too raw, but here is her obituary:

Lucille Elizabeth Dahlman died on Monday, October 11 at her home in Northfield, surrounded by family.

Lucille approached life with joy, optimism, wonder, gratitude, and love. She saw beauty everywhere and appreciated the best in everyone.

Lucille was born in Lake Norden, South Dakota on August 4, 1923 to Emil and Christina Jacobson. She attended schools in South Dakota and graduated from North Park College in Chicago.

Lucille married Reverend J. Stanley Dahlman on June 16, 1944. Together they served the Covenant Congregational Church of Waltham, MA; the Covenant Congregational Church of Cleveland, OH; the Congregational churches of Chester and Auburn, NH; the United Church of Christ in Norton, MA; the United Church of Winchester, NH; and the United Church of Christ in Deerfield, MA and New Salem, MA. Lucille also worked in the Development Office of Northfield Mount Hermon School.

Music was central to Lucille’s life. She frequently remarked, “What would we do without music?” One of her greatest delights was to attend concerts, especially choral and organ performances of Bach’s works. She also cherished a wide variety of early music. Lucille was an accomplished pianist and organist, largely self-taught, and enjoyed accompanying her son Eric who plays the trumpet. She sang in her college choir, in many church choirs, the Keene Chorale, the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus, and the Blanche Moyse Chorale; she played recorder with the Cheshire Consort. She was instrumental in the restoration of the historic Pratt Organ of Winchester, NH, which is now housed in the Conant Public Library.

Lucille created a warm and loving home for her family and friends. She made raspberry jam, canned tomatoes, and loved climbing Gap Mountain with family to pick blueberries. She delighted those dining at her table with her special recipes, including ham with raisin sauce, strawberry rhubarb pie, and orange kiss-me cake.

Lucille will be remembered for her generosity and service to her community. Throughout her adult life she was active in causes for social justice. She volunteered with many organizations, including Hospice, Community Meals in Greenfield, the Northfield Elementary School, and the Northfield Historical Society. An avid reader, Lucille served as Library Trustee in Northfield. She was also passionate about politics and was a member of the Democratic Town Committee.

Lucille loved to take walks with her friends and family, and did so until a few weeks ago. She was amazed by every colorful leaf in autumn and similarly appreciated the wonders of each season. Lucille also liked ice cream, coffee, apple picking, Christmas tree selection, meeting new people, and playing wiffle ball with her grandchildren.

Lucille is survived by her husband Stanley; daughter Kirsten Durbin and her husband Jerry of Needham, MA; daughter Mary Johnson and her husband David of Northfield, MA; son Eric of Medford, MA; grandchildren Alexandra, Adrian, Will, Ben, and Andrea; and great-grandchildren Graciela Lucille and Kayalá. She was predeceased by her son Karl, who died in 1964.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 11 AM at the First Church of Deerfield, with Reverend Ann Hallstein presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Church of Deerfield or to the Northfield Elementary School PTO. In honor of Lucille’s love of children and music, donations to the school will be used to install an outdoor musical instrument on the playground.

Photo by Ben Johnson, of flowers from memorial service at church