Memorial Gifts
Memorial Donations
Memorial donations are a meaningful way to pay tribute to beloved friends and family who have passed. This very kind gesture enhances our ability to conserve the forests and waterways of Lyme and provide public access to these beautiful places. We take great care to notify the deceased’s family of all gifts without reference to the amount donated, and we acknowledge each donor with a beautiful card depicting an appropriate Lyme scene by local Lyme artist Angie Falstrom. Memorial donations are tax-deductible and we will send you a receipt.
To make a memorial donation, click here: Dedication Gift Form.
Memorial Requests
A generous act, after a loved one passes, is to suggest in the obituary that friends and family make a donation to the Lyme Land Trust to honor the deceased. In almost every case, members of our Board know the deceased, making the passing especially poignant for the Trust.
The Land Trust is thankful for the requests made in memory of cherished individuals, including the following:
March 17, 2024 – Thomas Bischoff, “habitat manicurist”, was an important partner of the land trust for decades, carrying out exceptional meadow management and invasive plant control. No one knew our fields better. Using his own custom-made machines, his approach to detail is why they are in such good shape today. To honor Tom, we have named the field in Jewett Preserve, the Tom Bischoff Meadow. Read his full obituary here.
March 28, 2023 – Jil Nelson led a life of conviction and generosity, always contributing to causes supporting what she felt was right and sharing ideas and inspiration with those she loved. As a board member of the Lyme Land Trust for many years, and as a community volunteer for years after she stepped down; she helped launch, build up and maintain the Trust’s presence on social media. Read her full obituary here.
July 15. 2021 – Milton James “Milt” Walters had a long and extremely effective tenure on the Land Trust Board. He was one of those rarest of all charitable board members — he loved fund raising. As the long-time Chair of our Philanthropy Committee, Milt was particularly focused on securing the long term financial health of the Land Trust, recognizing that our property stewardship obligations run in perpetuity. He both created and championed our endowment fund. To honor Milt, the Land Trust Board voted to name it the “Milton J. Walters Endowment Fund.” Read his full obituary here. Read a tribute here.
Sept. 18, 2019–Marilyn McClernon Wilkins, 87, passed away at her home in Lyme. A lover of the natural world, Marilyn was passionate about the preservation of the environment and wild lands. Marilyn served on the Lyme Land Trust and was involved in the designation of Eightmile River as a wild and scenic river. Read her full Obituary.
To make a donation in Marilyn and Richard’s memory, click here: Dedication Gift Form
August 5, 2019 – Suzanne “Suzie” Brown, wife of the late Temp Brown for 58 years, was a devoted supporter of the Land Trust. Temp Brown was Preservation Chair of the Lyme Land Trust board for many years. Suzie celebrated beauty in life by picnicking in the countryside, arranging flowers from her garden, traveling the world, and savoring languages, cuisine, literature, colors, and the natural world. To read more about her life: Suzie Brown
December 26. 2016 – Jane Ingalls Davison, 90, an ardent conservationist, and a long time supporter and cherished friend of the Lyme Land Conservation Trust, died at her home in Lyme surrounded by her family. Jane and her late husband “Cottie” protected over 300 acres on Lord Cove through the Nature Conservancy. To read more about her admirable life, click here: Jane Davison
To make a donation in Jane’s memory, click here: Dedication Gift Form
August 27, 2016 – Ning (Joan) Rich was a devoted preservationist and longtime resident of Lyme. She served on the Board of the Lyme Land Trust from 1993 to 2003, serving as Vice President from 1997 to 2003. According to Tony Irving, “The Lyme Land Trust has over the years attracted dedicated board members with a knack for knowing what’s important and getting it done. Joan Rich was one of those, and the town and our open spaces are better off because of her.” To read more about her admirable contributions, click here: Ning Rich.
February 13, 2016 – Jack Leonardo was a talented and highly respected Certified Public Accountant. Many organizations in Lyme benefited from his kind and competent volunteer service. He served as treasurer of the Lyme Congregational Church and the Lyme Public Hall for many years. He was a lover of the natural and cultural beauty of Lyme, and he generously supported the conservation efforts of the Land Trust. To read more about this beloved man who will be greatly missed in Lyme, click here: Jack Leonardo
August 18, 2013 – Dr. Robert J. Klimek, a noted ophthalmologist, was an avid outdoorsman. In summer he could often be found sailing his sloop Reverie out of Hamburg Cove and in winter, having been introduced to skiing by his wife Carol, skiing in Telluride Colorado. Bob died prematurely after a brief illness. For more about this accomplished and beloved man, click here: Robert J Klimek 2013
August 19, 2013 – Delphine Tone Mulcahy lived to be 99. Del was known for her many and varied interests ranging from her legendary baking, to sports and to knitting. In her youth, her favorite activities were skating on Rogers Lake and playing baseball. For more about this remarkable woman, click here: Delphine Tone Mulcahy
To make a donation, click here: Dedication Gift Form
