Elizabeth Janet Carlson Lyle, formerly of Amherst, passed away quietly on August 8, 2011. She joins her beloved husband, William P. Lyle; younger brother, Roger Carlson; her loving parents, old and dear friends and several cherished dogs; especially Bucky, Whisky, Eli, Winston, Holly, Buffy, Sadie, and Kelly. She leaves those that loved her with a warm smile, heartfelt thanks and Sasha; her faithful and loyal dog who remained by her side always. Her thoughtful reflections on the natural world, literature, spontaneous hugs, and the healing power of laughter; especially a child’s, will be sorrowfully missed.

Born February 21, 1921 to Oscar A. and Helen Kittredge Carlson in Denver, Colorado, Elizabeth graduated from Nashua High School in 1939. While commuting daily to Boston on the train to attend school, she met William; five years her senior, a budding businessman and house resident of the Coffin’s in Nashua. They married on April 11, 1943. After WWII, Elizabeth and William resided in Roslyn, Long Island, Milford (9 years), Illinois, Ohio, and then Amherst (29 years). In New Hampshire, both were active members of the community and faithful parishioners of the Uniting Church of Christ. Among her various civic engagements, Elizabeth was a member of the League of Women Voters, Friends of the Amherst Library, where she served as a trustee for eleven years, and the Souhegan Quilter’s guild.

Although caring for her family was the priority, Elizabeth pursued an array of interests: restoring an old farm house on North River Road in Milford, raising farm animals, mending fences, driving dilapidated tractors and pick-up trucks, and growing vegetables. Upon mastering the farming life, she moved on to more genteel activities: great literature, volunteer work, starting the Amherst Recycling center, quilting, and art. While shifting interests fulfilled the days in her life, her life’s passions were steadfast: appreciating nature’s gifts, befriending dogs, walking in a cool ocean mist at Higgins Beach, Maine, convening afternoon (or “Low”) tea with great-grandchildren and, most of all, being kind.

In her final years, Elizabeth lived quietly and unpretentiously in Yakima, Washington, immediately next door to her eldest daughter Sue and son-in-law, Gary Lang. She often spoke of their unconditional gifts: of time, understanding and compassion. Such gifts enriched her final chapter beyond measure. Although the pace of her life slowed down demonstrably, Elizabeth remained connected to matters of special importance to her. In her short and sweet memoirs, she proclaimed;

Of nature’s colors, she will miss….

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets,

Deep blues of the ocean,

Dark greens of the forest,

Subtle colors of Spring,

Sturdy colors of Summer,

Life-saving hues of Autumn, and

Sparkling snow and blue shadows of Winter.

Of animals, she will miss…

Their mysterious understandings,

Loyalty and love given freely,

Beauty, strength, and majesty; and

A goat named Abraham, who has a long ago noble face.

Of children, she will miss….

Their laughter, silliness and bad jokes,

Their joyous smile that tells you everything will be okay,

The feel of small hand in hers,

Hugs spontaneous and firm, and

Kisses given for a reason.

Elizabeth is survived by four children, Susan Lang, Peter Lyle, Meg Roark, and Thomas Lyle; nine grandchildren, Sarah Nelson, Amy Lang, Corbin Lang, Jessica Mote, Meryl Iacocca, Jason Roark, Laura Roark, Meagan Lyle and Kathryn Lyle; and eight great-grandchildren; Zachary, Nick, Cassie, Brady, Connor, Maggie, Jack, and Kaden.

A small memorial service will be held on October, 28, 2011 in the North Yard Cemetery, Milford, New Hampshire, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth’s honor may be made to the Amherst Town Library or the Humane Society of your choosing.