Lillian Noxon Richardson

January 8, 1930 – February 28, 2026

SCHROON LAKE: Lillian Noxon Richardson, lovingly known as “Lila,” of Schroon Lake, NY, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at her home on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Born on January 8, 1930, Lil was the daughter of the late Winfred and Nellie (Whipple) Noxon of Schroon Lake, NY.  She married her beloved Arthur J. Richardson on September 10, 1949. In addition to her parents, Lil was predeceased by her husband and her three siblings, Roberta Noxon McMullen, Winfred “Bud” Noxon and Edward Noxon.

Lil is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Tom Lawless of Schroon Lake, NY; her grandchildren, Maureen Lawless Mestepey (Todd) of Miami, FL, Megan Lawless of Plattsburgh, NY, and Tom Lawless (Dawn Fortis-Lawless) of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; and her adored great-grandchildren, Taliesa Fortis-Lawless and Bridget and Connor Mestepey, who at ages 23, 18 and 15 know how lucky they are to have had such special time with her. She also is survived by loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends that were family, and former students who felt fortunate to experience her support and attention.

Born on Fowler Avenue in her lifelong hometown of Schroon, Lil was a 1947 graduate of Schroon Lake Central School, to which she returned to teach third grade for 26 years before retiring in 1986. She first attended Plattsburgh State College (SUNY Plattsburgh, where her granddaughter, Megan, is now an Assistant Professor of Education) from 1948 – 1949 before her marriage. While working and raising her family, she went back to college ten years later during summers and nights to complete her Elementary Education degree. She cherished each student and delighted in their learning. Her commitment to education extended beyond her years as a classroom teacher and included chairing class trips to Washington, DC, coaching the cheerleading squad, and decades of volunteering with NY State’s Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Long after her retirement, her days were warmed by visits with former students, whether drop-ins to her front porch on Olden Drive or chance encounters during a meal at Pitkins Restaurant, cocktails at Flanagan’s Pub & Grill, or on the sand at the Schroon Lake Beach.

Her love of her hometown was both impactful and unwavering. She served as Chairperson of Schroon Lake’s yearlong 2004 Bicentennial celebration, a founding member of the Seagle Colony (now Festival) Guild, a board member of the Schroon Lake Public Library and Essex County Mental Health Association, and an active member of the Schroon Lake Arts Council, Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society, Schroon Lake Senior Citizen Club, and Adirondack Marathon. She was twice recognized as Schroon Lake Citizen of the Year (individually in 1997 and collectively in 2005 as a member of the Bicentennial Committee). She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, where she served as a Communicant for 77 years, as her faith was a guiding beacon in her life.

Upon retirement, Lil and Art spent winters in Stuart, FL, making their seasonal home among new friends who became a devoted support network following Art’s death in 1991. Lil continued to enjoy friendships, service, and sun in Stuart for nearly 30 more years, including as an active volunteer with the Martin County School District, Treasure Coast Hospice and Mary’s Home of the Treasure Coast.

In addition to their hometown, Lil and Art were devoted to three things: family, friends and dancing. Their spins on the dance floor were legendary, bringing joy to all who witnessed the ease with which they moved and loved one another. Joan, their beloved daughter, and her family were at the center of their lives. They rarely missed a soccer or field hockey game, tennis match, dance recital, vocal or theater performance, or graduation among their three grandchildren, easily making the required road trips, sometimes at a moment’s notice. Lil’s great grandchildren equally experienced her fierce love and protection through walks, candid talks, bedtime stories, and so much more. Individually and together, Lil and Art never met a stranger, as they built and fostered community everywhere they went, whether a short vacation to Nags Head, NC, in the 1980s where they were adopted by a group of college students on Easter Break, or among the overwhelming networks of friends that became family, including generations of “LeMoyne Fracas” members that Lil hosted for a celebratory weekend each summer among her daughter’s college friends, their children and now grandchildren. Her potato salad was legendary, as were her quick wit, candor and reliable advice, and ability to take charge of most rooms she entered!

A lover of travel, boating and the sun, this child of Fowler Avenue and Hoffman Road went on to win a 14-day Caribbean cruise on the Price is Right in 1958; enjoyed trips with her husband to Cape Cod (a favorite), Florida, New York City, Montreal, and Hawaii; regularly attended and celebrated Marine Corps reunions in recognition of her family’s legacy of service; raised a glass at Dillons’ beach; and ventured on a remarkable cross country road trip to California and back with her beloved older brother, Ed, when they were each in their 80s.

Her loyalty and devotion to family, friends and community were unmatched. She loved writing and never missed the chance to send a birthday, thank you, congratulations, or holiday card and had the best cursive penmanship around! Her relationships spanned decades and locations, often taking the form of an honorary mother, grandmother, or great grandmother role to those who had previously lost or welcomed a bonus one. Lil will be remembered by all those touched by her faith, love and generosity.  

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 4th from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, 1019 US Route 9, Schroon Lake, NY. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1114 Main Street, Schroon Lake on Thursday, March 5th at 11:00am. Interment will be held at a later date. The Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lil’s name to the Adirondack Inclusion Movement (https://www.adkinclusionmovement.org/donate), the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (https://www.mcsf.org/giving-opportunities/), the Schroon Lake EMS (via check to P.O. Box 774, Schroon Lake, NY 12870), Seagle Festival (Seagle Festival - Bringing Music To the Adirondacks), or the charity of your choice, in honor of her legacy of giving and service.