Woodstock Vermont

Always a hardworking farm girl, Emily Lewis Hawkes, 94, came to her final rest on May 21, 2018.  She was the first child born to Carl and Mildred Lewis of Pomfret on January 20, 1924.  Now-deceased siblings: Gordon, Donald and Doris soon arrived to participate in chores and fun on the picturesque Stony Brook Farm. Emily thrived helping her folks keep the animals, gardens and crops. Her favorite activities were picking wild berries, watching chicks hatch in the incubator, and seeking litters of kittens in the hay mow. One of her most vivid memories was being knocked off her metal stool when lightning passed through a Jersey dairy cow she was about to milk. Fortunately, she hadn't taken hold when the electricity exited in four colorful bolts!

School days in South Barnard, Prosper and Woodstock weren't nearly as exciting as life on the Farm but Emily especially enjoyed business classes. Upon graduation, she gained employment as a bookkeeper at Woodstock National Bank. Interest was at an all-time high when she met the handsome young printer working across the street at the Elm Tree Press. In 1946 Edward Hawkes became her much-beloved husband of 64 years. The young couple started their family in Willow Vale north of Woodstock with the arrival of their son, Gerry, and daughter, Holly. A brief stint in Naples, FL confirmed their preference for the rural New England lifestyle. They returned to Vermont in 1958 and built their cherished Meadow View house in North Bridgewater.  Emily kept a pleasant home but her true love was the outdoors.  Her gardens demonstrated her special knack for raising gladioli.  The stonewalls and woods were kept brush-free thanks to Emily and a high-powered bushwhacker.  The results of berry picking, pickling and maple sugaring filled the cupboards.    Following in the footsteps of the Lewis women, Emily was a dedicated member of the Prosper Homemakers. She also served in several capacities at the Woodstock Universalist Church.  After her children were in school she returned to work at the National Bank until her retirement.

Retirement provided Ed and Emily the freedom to travel. They spent nearly 20 winters in Thatcher, AZ near Holly and her family.  Emily thought living in their one-story Mountain View house on a paved street was really the "high life"!  Instead of shoveling snow she spent time in water aerobics classes and cheering on the local college softball team.  When the cross-country trips became too daunting, they stayed in Vermont year-round moving to a delightful apartment on High Street in Woodstock Village.  Emily's dearest Ed passed away in 2010.

She had the subsequent good fortune to begin attending Bethany Mennonite Church with her son and daughter-in-law and to take up residence in The Homestead and The Mertens House where she shared her ever-present smile and cheerful attitude with residents, staff and visitors.  She loved to have visits from her family and pastor.  Her days were always brightened by everyone who stopped by.  Her three great-granddaughters were extra-special visitors to their "Hawk".  She is survived by her son Gerry (Karen) of North Bridgewater and daughter Holly Pascoe (Robert) of Central, Arizona.  Grandchildren:  Heather Hawkes Wolfe (Nicholas), Ethan Hawkes (Caitlynn), Wyatt Pascoe (Christina), Wade Pascoe (Bridgette).  Great-granddaughters: Norah, Helen and Esther.

Emily's family has many treasured stories of her active life. These as well as other memories will be shared at a Celebration of Emily's Life to be held at the Prosper School/Community House at a date to be announced in Fall 2018.

Emily Lewis Hawkes was an energetic and dutiful daughter, a devoted wife, a practical and loving parent, a kind neighbor, and dedicated community member.   The Prosper Community was integral to her life that reflected so many worthy qualities of her parents.  Likewise, one can find many of her characteristics passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donations in Emily's memory may be made to the Prosper Homemakers' Club, c/o Carol Wood, 72 Pomfret Road, Woodstock, VT 05091.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com