Lucy M. Hankey, 92, of Mill River passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, at her home with her loving family by her side.
Lucy was born Sept. 23, 1926, in Winsted, Connecticut; however, she grew up on her parents’ small farm and lived within half a mile of that homestead in Mill River her entire life. She was a graduate of New Marlborough Central School, which, at the time, schooled grades one through 12. Lucy delivered milk for her father and, during one of those deliveries, she met her future husband of 67 years, Norman. During their marriage she worked as an elementary school bus driver for 38 years and, for several years, she was a teacher’s aide at New Marlborough Central School. She was a Girl Scout leader while her daughter was active in scouting. Lucy enjoyed music, especially country and western music; playing piano; singing; and dancing. She, Norman, and her son John would regularly attend outdoor concerts at Coe Park in Torrington, Connecticut, and at the VFW in Great Barrington to enjoy the music. They frequently went to the ITAM Lodge in Pittsfield to listen to the bands and so Lucy could dance. She liked to do the polka, which she continued to do until she was 86 years old. Family was very important to her and she loved doting over her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lucy is survived by her husband, her loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss her strength, guidance and support. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Norman, Lucy and John’s caregiver Lillian Hankey, Lucy’s homecare aide Audrey, and her nurse Nadine for all their selfless assistance and kindness in caring for Lucy and her family.
Funeral services for Lucy M. Hankey will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the United Church of New Marlborough, 234 Norfolk Road, Southfield. Burial will follow in Carroll Cemetery in Mill River. The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Lucy’s memory may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
