G. Lillian (Bisbee) Whitney

ASHBY: G. Lillian (Bisbee) Whitney, 95, of Ashby died Thursday, October 3, 2024 at The Highlands, Fitchburg. Her husband, Robert L. Whitney, died in March 1985. Lillian was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, June 11, 1929 one of twelve children born to William J. and Geneva M. (Harris) Bisbee and has resided in Ashby for nearly 75 years. Lillian grew up in Ashburnham and was a 1948 graduate of Cushing Academy in Ashburnham. She then continued her education at Fitchburg State College, Central New England College, Worcester and Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. She leaves her son and daughter in law, Douglas A. and Cathy Whitney of Townsend; her daughter, Joyce R. Schmuck of Ashby; two brothers, Paul R. Bisbee Sr. of Baldwinville, David W. Bisbee of Virginia; her sister, Mary Capman of Gardner; two granddaughters, Jennifer Schmuck, Jessica Schmuck and three great grandchildren, Morgan Hanks, Zachary Hanks and Andrea Lorime. She was predeceased by her son, Steven R. Whitney of Ashby in 2007. She was the sister of the late Donald Bisbee, Sr, William Bisbee Jr., Kenneth E. Bisbee, Richard A. Bisbee, Pauline Wagner, Dorothy Munroe, Priscilla Goss and Nancy Bisbee. Lillian’s career included several and varied positions including Manager for the school lunch programs in the towns of Ashby, Ayer, Shirley and Boxboro as well as working in the office at Nabisco Baking Company, Worcester. She was also very active in civic and town affairs including being elected to the position of Ashby Town Treasurer, for 16 years served as a member to the NMRS School Committee as well as a two-year appointment to the Ashby Finance Committee. She was a member of the Ashby Bicentennial Committee, was instrumental in the organization of the Ashby Bells and served as the President of the Ashby Historical Society. She was a Past Master of the Ashby Grange # 172, a member of the Nemoset Rebecca Lodge and served as Girl Scout Leader for twenty five years. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the Ashby Congregational Church, 21 New Ipswich Road, Ashby. Interment will follow at West Cemetery, Ashby. Lillian’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours 4-7 PM Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street, (Rte 119) Townsend Center. www.andersonfuneral.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. cancer.org/donate

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G. Lillian (Bisbee) Whitney

June 11, 1929 - October 3, 2024