Lucy Booth

Lucy Wilbur Booth, 91, died peacefully on January 16, 2013 at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham.

Lucy was born in Cambridge (NY), the daughter of Albert and Mary Elizabeth Hoag Wilbur. Born into an active Quaker family, she lived in Easton (NY) until her marriage to Orrin E. Booth in 1941. They moved to North Adams (MA) where they became active participants in the First United Methodist Church. Lucy held many leadership positions and also became active on the regional level. In the 1950's, she began her long affiliation with Church Women United, served as its local president, and received its Valiant Woman Award in 2009.

The Booths moved to Stamford (VT) and later to Adams (MA) where they owned a jewelry store. Lucy became active in the Adams Society of Friends Descendants, served on the Adams Historical Commission, and was an officer in the Adams Chamber of Commerce.

Lucy and her husband were long-time square dancers and served as presidents of their local club. In 1967, Lucy joined her husband in the operation of their business. They attended meetings of both the Massachusetts and New York State Watchmakers Associations.

In 1991, Lucy and Orrin celebrated 50 years marriage and 50 years of business in Adams. Following Orrin's death in 1992, Lucy sold the jewelry business and moved to Framingham (MA). Upon her arrival, she became an active community member and an involved participant in Framingham Friends Meeting, representing the Meeting on the planning committees for World Day of Prayer. She served as president of the local AARP chapter, secretary of the Framingham Interfaith Clergy Association, a board member of the MetroWest International Concert Series, and belonged to the Red Hat Society, the Callahan Senior Center, and the Framingham History Center.

Lucy was an indomitable spirit who carried herself with an assured and humble grace. Her ecumenical perspective enabled her to reach out and embrace people from all walks of life, consequently acquiring innumerable friends.

Lucy leaves daughters, Carol Booth of New London (CT), Verna Duffy of Natick (MA), Marilyn Manzella of Framingham (MA), and a son Stanley Booth of Los Angeles (CA), grandsons Christopher Banford of Zermatt, Switzerland, Jonathan Banford of New Canaan (CT), Nathan Manzella of Southbridge (MA), and Aaron Manzella of Framingham (MA), as well as three great granddaughters, Jessica Lucy Banford of Luzern, Switzerland, and Jacquelyn and Alexondra Banford of New Canaan (CT).

A memorial meeting will be held on January 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 80 Beacon Street, Framingham (MA). In addition, a memorial meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 14th at the Easton Friends Meeting, South Meetinghouse, 227 Meetinghouse Road, Easton (NY).

Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Schaghticoke (NY). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Friends Service Committee, 2161 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140, in Lucy's memory.