Lucile Birch

Lyme, N.H. — Lucile Birch, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born Jan. 11, 1929, to Chancey Merrill and Ernestine Austin in Milton, Mass. She attended many schools during her father’s military career in World War II. Lucile also attended Lasalle Junior College and completed her education at Boston University.

After she met her husband Warren Birch, they moved to the Upper Valley in the early ‘60s to raise their sons.

She taught in Canaan and Enfield schools, as well as Cardigan Mountain School. She worked at what was then the Dartmouth National Bank for 10 years, at the Lyme branch, getting to know many local customers. She also served as the treasurer for the Lyme Congregational Church for over 25 years.

Lucile’s beloved husband for nearly 60 years passed away in 2011. She is survived by her sons, Robert Birch and his spouse, Tim of Wellfleet, Mass., and Richard Birch and his spouse, Rosie of Thetford Center, Vt.; and by her brother, Dean Merrill of Woodstock, Vt; sister-in-law, Kay Merrill of Beaufort, S.C.; as well as nieces and nephews.

Ms. Birch loved to read. She designed and cared for gardens at her house by the side of the road, providing shelter and food for numerous birds and other critters.

There are no services planned as per her wishes.

Do not stand by my grave and weep;

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starshine at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

-Anonymous

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parish Nurse Program, Lyme Congregational Church, PO Box 27, Lyme NH 03768.