A bench with a view, honoring Susan

A BENCH WITH A VIEW

In 2023, we lost a vibrant, wonderful member of our Richmond community. Susan Lockwood felt deeply about many things that were particularly manifested in her strong love and advocacy for

the environment. Lenox Mountain was a place she loved, knew intimately, and found solace within. Since childhood, we’ve all spent time on the mountain with Sue – whether on foot or horseback, it is a place which calls to all of us. Sue was a “Richmond Girl” through and through, and many of us share an unbreakable bond of friendship.

As we continue to grieve her loss, we are called to action. Last year, a committee was established to discuss ways to remember Sue. We agreed the best way to celebrate her legacy was to invest in nature. We chose to work with Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to create an endowment in Sue’s name as a living memorial and tribute to her. (PVWS is a protected 1,405 acres parcel located in Lenox, Massachusetts, owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society

(501(c)(3)).)The Committee is looking for donations to assist in the preservation of this beautiful spot in the Berkshires that she held so dear. The money collected will be used to establish a restricted

endowment preserving Susan’s legacy in perpetuity. Going forward, interest from the endowment will help fund ongoing trail maintenance, support and conserve the natural beauty of

the range, as well as help to provide access to nature for all ages.

A portion of the funds from the endowment will be used for placement of a bench at Yokun Seat on Lenox Mountain. The location was chosen for its sprawling vista of the valley and Richmond

Pond. “If you knew Sue…when you hiked with her, the destination had to include a beautiful view,” said Terrill Ploss, a committee member organizing the fundraiser. “Since grammar school,

being outside, whether hiking or on horseback, being on the mountain was a passion of hers.” Whether large or small, any amount will make a difference. In this time of uncertainty, it feels

good to invest in the permanence of the beauty of this land we call home.

With Gratitude,

The Richmond Girls Committee

Terrill Ploss, Sally Chavarry, Robin Ratcliff, Rebecca Sherer, Melanie Masdea-Dignum, Margaret Malumphy, Mary Talbot