Mrs. Elizabeth F. Turner

HINSDALE On January 20, 2015, a new star joined the heavens. Elizabeth Florence Turner Lott left us to enjoy her rewards after a long and rich life. She was born on July 15, 1931, to the late Howard E. Turner and Ruth Ella Kimball Turner, in Salem, NH. She was raised on the family dairy farm, doing her daily chores before going to school. She graduated from Woodbury High School in 1949 as class valedictorian. She went on to study at the University of New Hampshire. Liz joined the sorority Kappa Delta, serving as president of her chapter. She graduated in 1953 with a Bachelors in Mathematics. She broke barriers when she was hired as an engineering assistant at General Electric, designing power transformers. It was at GE, that she met the love of her life, Jack R. Lott. They married on May 19, 1956 and settled in Hinsdale, MA. She was part of the Ladies Auxiliary Fire Department, as Jack was also active in the Hinsdale Fire Department. When they started their family, Liz became a stay at home mom. Shortly thereafter, she became involved in the town, serving as the town clerk. With her background in mathematics, she was asked to begin substitute teaching at Wahconah Regional High School. That decision quickly turned into a 32 year career, as a middle school mathematics educator at North Junior High. She was involved with singing in the choir at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield, and was active in the Order of the Eastern Star. She was highly involved with her children's lives growing up, attending every school play and every soccer, football and basketball game that Karen and Sharon cheered at. This supportive characteristic continued for all of her grandchildren attending every ballet recital, musical concert, graduation, award ceremonies, and even traveling abroad to see her grandchildren. Even while working two jobs, she was never without her vegetable and flower gardens; always having her signature red and white impatiens and lilac trees outside. She continually jarred pickles, beans, peas, and made any and all jams to pass out to family and friends. Liz's Christmas cookies were made by the thousands. Many people looked forward to the Christmas season when the famous cookie tins were distributed, only to be brought back so they were guaranteed cookies for the next year. Liz taught more than mathematics; many students may credit her tutoring with their success in mathematics, and other various subjects, as well as learning new ways to study. In addition, she taught people to sew and knit, cross-stitch, cook, and bake. Liz never wanted to see a minute go to waste, and looked forward to being involved in every project, craft and event. Many people received hand-knit afghan throws or cross-stitched samplers. After Liz "retired" from teaching, she filled her time by joining the Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association (Retired Educators Association of MA) eventually becoming the treasurer and event planner of the Berkshire Chapter. She also joined a group that held a special meaning to her, the Hinsdale Dayz. She and her husband celebrated special events in Hinsdale history with bake sales, beach parties, movie nights and more. Elizabeth is survived by: Her husband of 58 years, Jack, her daughters, Karen E. Emerson and her husband, Charles, and Sharon L. LeBoeuf and her husband, Michael. Her granddaughters Ashley E. Dowling (Ryan J. Dowling), Erica A. Layow (Christopher D. Layow), Brittany LeBoeuf, and Andrea LeBoeuf. Her great-grandchildren, Kytalin Elizabeth Dowling and Turner James Dowling. Her two younger sisters, Marilyn R. Campbell and Elsie M. Wilson (David J. Wilson), her brother-in-law, Alfred Kirchner (Donna Kirchner); Her sisters by affection, Marilyn S. Torchia and Janis Calderwood. And also, her nieces and nephews, Bernard H. Campbell (Veralyn Campbell), Kenneth Campbell (Marianne Campbell), Kevin Campbell (Carol Campbell), Douglas Wilson (Linda Wilson), Dean Wilson (Marilu Wilson), Gail Torchia, Debra Gardner (Craig Gardner), Lauren Gardner and Marissa Gardner. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Elizabeth F. Lott will be Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 at Bartlett-Wellington Funeral Home in Dalton, from 2 to 5 p.m. The funeral will on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 at First United Methodist Church, 55 Fenn St. Pittsfield, MA at 1 p.m. In care of flowers, please send donations to the First United Methodist Church of Pittsfield, Massachusetts or the Hinsdale Dayz in care of the Bartlett-Wellington Funeral Home in Dalton, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Elizabeth F. Turner

July 15, 1931 - January 20, 2015