Lila May Briggs Walbridge, 92, of the Chelsea Road and a life-long Williamstown resident, died Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the home of her daughter, Christine Sonenblum, in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where she had been residing since November, 2011.
Born September 28, 1919, Lila was the daughter of William P. and Ella (Whitney) Briggs. She attended the Village School in Williamstown and graduated as Valedictorian from Williamstown High School in 1937. Following graduation, she took correspondence courses in graphic art and design. Her creativity was always evident throughout her life. She loved writing, reading and reciting poetry for occasions and for fun. Her artistic vision transformed plastic lids into holiday decorations; household items into delightful crafts or items for fun. She was committed to cultivating the art of making things with children in her care; creating greeting cards for family and friends and assuring they were delivered to those who might not otherwise have a greeting on a special day. She continued this habit into the present, designing and composing handmade Valentines received by family and friends last week.
On September 1, 1940, she married J. Lawrence Walbridge. Throughout their marriage of 56 years they made their home in Williamstown, VT. Their union formed a powerful partnership of community service, spiritual guidance, and fellowship with family and friends, which touched many lives. She gave unselfishly to others while raising four children, operating the family dairy farm and maple sugaring operation, caring for extended family, and serving her church and community. She took her turn as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, watching and reporting aircraft during WWII. She willingly adapted to accommodate the requirements of the circumstances, whether the altered schedule and demands resulted from her husband serving on a committee or the school board, children being engaged in extracurricular activities, or a friend or neighbor needing transportation to an appointment. All were welcomed into this home, whether for a visit, advice and counsel, a meal and a place to stay or for the delightful treat of sugar-on-snow and Lila's famous raised doughnuts any time of the year.
An accomplished baker, Lila was employed by the Initial Home Bakery, in Williamstown, VT. She enjoyed learning new techniques and delivering fresh-baked bread and pies to local businesses, working with her life-long friend and owner, Laura Wiggin.
Lila provided loving daily childcare in her home to two of her grandchildren, young friends and neighbors, and three of her grandnephews. Over many years and well into her eighties, she continued to provide so much more than just an after school snack, homework help, and a listening ear. She played endless games of Chinese checkers, showed loving support even in trying times, and served as a constant mentor to parents and children alike.
Throughout her life, Lila served the United Federated Church in Williamstown and relied upon its community of fellowship, service and spiritual guidance. She applied her talents and leadership by serving on numerous committees and taking on the formidable job of Church Treasurer for many years. She taught both Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and provided transportation to children who would otherwise have missed the experience. The tradition of lighting an Advent wreath was facilitated by the teamwork of Lila and Lawrence whose creative and faithful efforts went on for many years.
As a member of the Women United in Christian Service (WUCS), Lila could be counted upon for active support of those in need locally and globally, bringing along a smile to others with a cheerful visit, or working tirelessly to assemble health kits and school supplies for distribution world-wide.
As a member of the Williamstown Historical Society, Lila contributed countless hours of service.Her personal knowledge and conscientious preservation of artifacts have contributed significantly to the store of historical items available on display in Williamstown. An oral historian of sorts, she was frequently consulted for information and documentation about the town, residents and surrounding area.
Lila always made it known that the concepts of worry and boredom were not in her repertoire. She expressed an endless sense of wonder and constant and joyful praise by doing the things she loved and derived great pleasure from seeing the smiles of those around her.
Survivors include her children and their families, Irene Walbridge of South Barre and her friend, Bob Healy, Jim Walbridge and Donna O'Brien of Burlington, Louise (Walbridge) Mier and Francis Mier of Berlin, Christine (Walbridge) Sonenblum of Minnetonka, Minnesota; grandchildren Jeremy Walbridge and his partner, Shannon Mahoney, Jessica (Walbridge) Lukes and her husband, John; Lauren Mier and her partner, Laura Harper; Brian Mier and his wife, Jessica; Rachel Sonenblum and Ben Sonenblum; Billy Hathaway and his wife, Bridget; David Hathaway and his wife, April; Ron Hathaway and his wife, Nichole; great-grandchildren, Emily Hogan, Olivia and Ella Lukes, Chelsea and Kaitlin Cole, Jeremiah Hathaway, Katie Sue Brown, Autumn and Summer Hathaway, Rylie and Paige Hathaway; a nephew Norman MacAskill and family, children of Lee MacAskill and families.
Lila was predeceased by her husband, J. Lawrence Walbridge in 1996, her sister, Janice MacAskill in 2000, and a nephew, Lee MacAskill in 2002.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at the United Federated Church in Williamstown on Tuesday, February 21, at 2pm. Committal will be in the spring at the East Hill Cemetery in Williamstown, at the family's convenience. There are no calling hours.
Minnesota friends are invited to gather,to celebrate Lila's life, from 2-6 pm, Sunday, February 26,2012, at the home of her daughter, Chris Sonenblum, 5971 Covington Terrace, Minnetonka, MN 55345
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Williamstown Ambulance Service, PO Box 646, Williamstown, VT 05679, to Central VT Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 or to Fairview Hospice Fund, c/o Fairview Foundation 2344 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108.
