Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1931

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Williamsburg Funeral Home - Haydenville

3 South Main Street

Haydenville, Massachusetts

Lily Rustemeyer Obituary

PLAINFIELD – Lily P. (Mathers) Rustemeyer 85, died peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2017, at Linda Manor in Northampton, with her family by her side.

The middle of nine children, Lily was born August 29, 1931, in Williamsburg, to the late Robert and Arolyn Mathers. She attended Williamsburg Schools.

She and her husband, George Rustemeyer, moved to Cummington to raise their family, horses, and dogs. They owned and operated the Williamsburg Snack Bar with Lily making homemade pies every night. She then worked at Cummington Elementary for many years leaving an impression on a generation of kids. She also worked at Smith College Davis Center making lasting friendships with staff and students. After retiring from Smith College, she continued to work doing seasonal landscaping and gardening for J.H. Maxymillian in Pittsfield and cleaning private residences.

There was nothing that woman couldn't do. The true matriarch of the family, she was generous with her time and her love. Lily made it a priority to spend time with the people she cared about, she was tough in all ways, but loved like no other. She enjoyed her family, her gardens, pets, reading, puzzles, traveling, working, was a thoughtful letter writer, and she loved those Yankees.

She continued to work and care for herself and others until stricken.

Lily is survived by her children Jeanne Taylor of Williamsburg, George (Rusty) Rustemeyer, and wife Anne of Savannah, Georgia, Bruce Rustemeyer and wife Melissa of Plainfield; and her niece Gloria Robbins, and husband Delbert; her grandchildren Jessica Taylor, Krista Brouillard, Katherine Taylor, Terry Rustemeyer, Amber Cribb, Courtney Rustemeyer Dumas, Rebecca Robbins; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Charles and sisters Anne Mathers and Lucy Michaud. She was predeceased by her husband George in 1978.

To honor her wishes, there will be no formal services. However, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Lily's name may be made to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101-6307.

Gardening was Lily's passion, the family will be planting trees in her memory, (we all know how she loved her trees!)

The Williamsburg Funeral Home was entrusted with her cremation.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jul. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Lily Rustemeyer

Not sure what to say?





Heather Zanolli

August 2, 2017

I will miss our summer meet-ups, coffee and laughter. Loved having a friend like you. Heather (and Mike) Zanolli

July 30, 2017

So sorry, Missy and Bruce. Sending prayers to you all. The loss of a beloved mother is very painful and hard. May peaceful memories help you thru the hard days ahead.
Love you Carole ad Rich

Gail Wilcox-Kicza

July 30, 2017

To all of the Rustemeyer Family, I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Rustemeyer passing. I wish to send you my deepest sympathy . I will always remember her fondly, from elementary school on up. She was the one of the sweetest women I ever knew. My heart goes out to you all. She will be missed by all.

Dee Brochu

July 29, 2017

Dear Bruce and Missy: May she rest on angel wings as you cherish her memory. Dee

Shawn Thayer

July 29, 2017

Lil, was an amazing woman. She was firm but fair and kept a whole generation of Cummington and Windsor kids safe and accountable at recess! Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Hope your memories help you through this time.

Lisa (Bates) Briggs

July 29, 2017

To the entire Rustemeyer family, I am extending my deepest sympathies for your loss. I have very fond memories of Mrs. Rustemeyer.

She taught our 5th grade class, and was both quite tough and quite good, it was apparent she loved teaching. I remember the Math Minute quizzes every morning, and she even competed against me once with the whole class watching. We both chose the Division sheet although she said I could do addition if I wanted. She won. lol!

Mrs. Rustemeyer is also the one who picked me up off the ground and dusted me off and found my glasses for me the day my horse got stung by a bee while crossing Route 9, and we had an impromptu bucking bronco ride down Main Street, into the school yard and continued on into her yard until I finally got thrown off. She didn't laugh either, although I have over the years. We must have been a sight!

She is fondly remembered and will be missed.

George Rustemeyer

July 29, 2017

We love you and will miss your presence in the family..rest in peace Mom. Rusty and Anne

Bill Hurley

July 28, 2017

Many great memories of Lil from our days at the Smith College Davis Center, our thoughts and prayers are with the Rustemeyer family. The "old school" Smith College Campus Police, (Bill, Peter, Zip (Bill), Tracy, Sue, Bob and Scott).

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Lily Rustemeyer's name

Memorial Events
for Lily Rustemeyer

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Williamsburg Funeral Home - Haydenville

3 South Main Street P.O. Box 907, Haydenville, MA 01039

How to support Lily's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lily Rustemeyer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more