Lucy Ellen Garrison-Rando

Lucy Ellen Garrison-Rando, aka Luce, Lucille, Lusties, passed away January 21, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Lucy was born to Donald and Catharine (Schwartz) Garrison on April 24, 1958 in Poughkeepsie, NY. After graduating high school from Cambridge, NY, Lucy received degrees in Special Education from Lasell Junior College and SUNY Plattsburgh, and later, while raising three children, earned her RN degree from Berkshire Community College. “Not all angels have wings. Some have scrubs.” - Unknown Ever driven by the human psyche and an indomitable work ethic, Lucy cared for patients in mental health facilities and addiction wards for almost forty years. On numerous occasions, Lucy provided refuge and emotional support in her own home for troubled teens throughout her community. Her fearless wit and charisma, not to mention party hat collection, will be missed by all who were lucky enough to call her colleague. “Some day we’ll look back on this, and it will all seem funny.” - Bruce Springsteen Lucy’s blazing sense of humor carried her through more challenges and upsets than she and her family cared to count. No matter the bump though, Lucy bounced back, finding humor in life’s highs and lows, all the while deflecting attention from herself to profusely apologize for sending a birthday card a few days late. “I just toss seeds on the ground and stomp on them.” - Lucy Garrison Rando Lucy’s unpretentious passion for plants and wildlife brought peace and connectivity to her life. She could take any neglected patch and turn it into a floral paradise. Lucy became the consummate solo florist, gifting colorful, exquisitely arranged bouquets to family and friends. Few things brought more pleasure than passing on this love of the outdoors to her granddaughters, Emma and Sophia, with whom she shared a special bond. “You can keep my things. They’ve come to take me home.” - Peter Gabriel A lifelong advocate for learning, Lucy was an ardent reader, often diagnosing her family’s ailments over the phone. Lucy’s final gift was to donate her body to Harvard Medical School to assist students in, one day, discovering a cure for this horrible disease. Lucy is survived by her mother, Catharine Garrison, siblings Rachel, James, and Johanna Garrison, children Nicholas, Sarah, and Molly Rando, nephews Wesley Roy and Colin Roy, and granddaughters, Sophia and Emma Rando. Devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, you are sorely missed. The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed. Sine Nomine, William W. How A celebration of Lucy’s life will be held at Dwyer-Wellington East Funeral Home in Pittsfield, MA when breezes are warm and flowers are blooming. A second celebration of life will be held locally for friends in the Cambridge, NY area (dates TBD). Note: Per special request by the woman of honor, all who enter must tell a joke at the door. Profound thanks to Dr. Kyneret Albert and the tireless staff at HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Berkshire Medical Center, and Hillcrest Infusion Center. We are extremely grateful to all of you. Donations can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires.

Lucy Ellen Garrison-Rando

April 24, 1958 - January 21, 2022