Lucy Anne Woodward

Lucy loved life and she loved being active. For Lucy though, an activity was really just the reason to be with friends, the children she cared for and came to love and, of course, her family.

She was born to what at first glance would be an easy life. Loving parents, sisters Emily and Cynthia (Cinnie), and wanting for nothing material. Country clubs and beach a house was part of her early years.

But life is never as easy as all that. Lucy became a single mom with 3 young boys (Stewart, Peter & David) to raise starting in the late 1960s. Those were different times than perhaps today for a single young woman to be raising children.

Despite harder times Lucy was never one to give in or give up. Her journey had taken her to Florida and in the early 1970s she returned home to Massachusetts. She bought her small home near Egypt Beach in Scituate MA about that time. There were times she would rent it to make ends meet. She had a job as a secretary at Evans Products in Braintree MA and then a career she enjoyed at Xerox where, in part, she would teach customers how to use the technology they had purchased.

When “retirement” came she resurrected and old career. Caring for children. Those children she cared for, and their parents, would become part of her extended family. She loved watching those children grow and change, reading stories, helping them with their homework and I have no doubt imparting some wisdom about how to become a better adult. When she was telling me about them I couldn’t help but think how lucky they were to have her in their lives. After all, I felt that way. These families remained in touch long after their need for Lucy’s help would end.

Those are some facts of Lucy’s life, but Lucy’s real story is of her friendships. Her friends didn’t come and go. They were friends for a lifetime.

So, what did Lucy enjoy doing with friends and family? Let’s see…. Snow skiing, bridge, tai-chi, exercise class, trips to the casino, sailing, bowling, travel, countless gatherings to name just a few. Ok, a few more, kayaking, cycling, walking, going to the beach, yard work. She was a ruthless competitor in a game. She played to win. Cribbage, Backgammon, Bridge, Gin, it didn’t matter. Even a family game of Uno. She always had something going on. Always someone to get together with. She never slowed down. Honestly, I don’t know how she managed it.

At the same time, she loved her independence and keeping up that small home purchased all those years ago. It was in her home she passed away. It was where she would have wanted to be. Independent to the end.

Each of that knew Lucy knows a part of her story. We also know she was amazing and by example of the way she lived and loved, an inspiration.

God bless you, Lucy. Thank you for sharing your life with us. We will keep you in our hearts.