Elizabeth “Libby” (Horrocks) Wilson, 87, passed away at her home in Concord on May 10, 2024.
Born November 1, 1936, in Philadelphia, Libby was the younger daughter of Elizabeth and Thomas Horrocks and grew up sharing wonderful times with her beloved sister, Jean. She also lived in Connecticut and Michigan, where she attended the Kingswood School of Cranbrook, before graduating from Greenwich Academy in 1954. In her senior year, she was elected president of the School. Libby graduated with a B.A. in Art History from Smith College in 1958. While at Smith she was president of her residential house in her senior year and earned a Smith Blazer as a three-team athlete. She was also an avid bridge player during school, and she remained very close and loyal to her Smith friends over her lifetime. After graduation, Libby worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
In 1959, Libby married Frank W. Wilson, a Yale-educated engineer who was working for Procter & Gamble, and together they raised a son and daughter, John and Janney, first in Augusta, Georgia, then Cohasset. In 1973, they moved to Concord, where Libby subsequently lived for over 50 years, growing to love the town deeply.
When Frank died tragically in an accident in 1980, Libby was remarkably resilient and held the family together, supporting her two teenage children with love and a can-do attitude. She also made a tremendous effort to keep broader family connections, not only with her own sister, but also with Frank’s family and her wonderful sisters-in-law, Dotty and Ellen, and their extended families. Many wonderful memories were shared as the generations expanded.
Libby achieved a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Management from Radcliffe and went back to work, ultimately working at Skinner’s, a fine art auction house, for over 20 years until her retirement in 2010. Her love of people and the arts made this a joyful and fulfilling experience.
Libby contributed her energy and talents to her beloved Trinity Church of Concord, which she called her “second home,” and served on the altar guild for many years. She also was actively involved in the Concord Community Chest, the Concord Area Smith Club, the Concord Museum and as a key member of the staff appreciation fundraising committee at Newbury Court, where she lived very happily for the last 12 years of her life. Wherever she went, Libby was a community builder, bringing friends together and supporting worthy causes, right up until her death.
Graciousness was Libby’s hallmark. She was always warm and welcoming, perhaps fostered by moving 12 times before marriage. She was smart, reliable, and incredibly well organized. Her handwritten notes are legendary, capturing cherished memories and important moments. Music was a lifelong love, from opera blasting in her car, to Broadway musicals, to nights with the BSO at Tanglewood, to many happy years singing with the Concord Chorus. Libby also enjoyed flowers and was an accomplished arranger; she was known for her colorful floral displays on the balcony outside her apartment. Over the years she became skilled in a variety of crafts including pottery and basket-making, gifting many beautiful objects to friends and family. Also, she was an avid puzzler, a lover of word games, and was known to passionately cheer on her favorite Boston sports teams. Above all, Libby loved her family, and she always made family her absolute top priority.
Libby is survived by her son John and his wife Jennifer of Winchester and their children Ben, Sam, and Abby; her daughter Janney and her husband Bob Glowacky of Wellesley and their children Alexandra and Will. Libby is also survived by her sister, Jean Mayer Richards, sisters-in-law Dorothy Ashton and Ellen Lukens and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 1, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord, where she was a devoted member. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Libby’s memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, MA 01742 or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, Concord, www.concordfuneral.com.
