Lucy A. (Bell) Littlefield

"I can scarcely wait till tomorrow when a new life begins for me, as it does each day, as it does each day." 
Stanley Kunitz  

Thus lived Lucy for 93 years - with zest, originality, wry humor, intention to try or to learn something new... and with unwavering devotion to those she loved and who loved her back dearly.  When enthusiasm for the dawning day began to wane - she found ways to let us know she was ready to let go and that it was ok. Lucy died on the last day of May at home.
Born in Ardsley to Louise and Edgar Bell, she attended Ardsley High and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial school. She was secretary to the president of Benton & Bowles at the time she met our father and her husband of 44 years, David Littlefield.  They were the best kind of New Yorkers - the ones who came from small towns to participate in the cultural life of what they knew to be the greatest city in the world. Friends referred to this beautiful, companionable, generous and urbane couple as Mr & Mrs New York. They explored it from end to end and borough to borough.
Our mom was not allowed to attend college or practice sports, yet she became an admired figure New York city independent school scene, and a fierce advocate of girls' education and empowerment.  She represented the Girl Scouts at the United Nations. Lucy was club champion in golf and encouraged our participation in competitive sports.
Lucy worked at Hewitt (our alma mater) for 24 years. She received the Delman Award for lifetime service. As head of admissions for the lower school, was renowned for her organizational skills, phenomenal memory,  and chicken liver pate. She devised the ISAAGNY  (Independent School Association of Greater New York) guide to private schools. The intent was to help parents navigate the interviewing process with less apprehension and to more readily find the school that best suited their child. 
Lucy took her first trip to Europe in 1966. Month-long summer holidays soon became an annual affair. Itineraries were deeply researched and richly recorded. After David died, Lucy traveled to Samarkand, the Khyber Pass, and Morocco.

Lucy was a spectacular cook and sensational entertainer. She operated out of a minuscule galley kitchen with provender from Morroni, Orwashers, Trentecost, Esposito - the great specialty stores frequented by true food lovers. If she tasted something, she could recreate it at home.  She loved Pawleys Island,  picnics in Central Park, 
backgammon tournaments, and she raised thrift shopping for treasures to a high art. 
Lucy was a remarkable mother to Davien and Wendy. She adored her son-in-law (Donald Feinberg) grandchildren Nicholas and Claire whose visits she awaited with a delicious dinner and a new outfit or book. She loved her loyal and kind caregivers Maurine Campbell and Jacqueline Williams.
Besides her children and grandchildren she leaves behind her granddaughter in-law Branka, nephew Graham and his siblings Geoff, Karla, and Tory, niece Barbara Littlefield, John Littlefield, many loving relatives in the Feinberg & Cimesa families, and many great and great great nieces and nephews.  
 

Tributes and Donations in Lucy's name can be made to:
The Hewitt School Scholarship Fund
Isabella Center MJHS.org
The Central Park Conservancy

OR

www.unicef.org

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