ONEONTA - Lillian Dox (née Marquardt), 91, of Oneonta passed away peacefully on April 24, 2021.

She was born in Merrick, New York to Martin and Lillian Marquardt.  In 1941, the Marquardt family moved to a dairy farm in Richmondville, NY, where Lillian grew up with her two sisters.  She graduated from Richmondville Central School and continued her studies at State University College of Education (SUNY) in Oneonta.  After receiving a degree in Education in 1951, Lillian taught elementary school in Cobleskill, Richmondville, and New Hyde Park.

In 1959 she married Thurston J. Dox, also of Richmondville, and the couple settled in Oneonta. In 1970, Lillian accepted a position at Valleyview Elementary School. Throughout her 20-year career at Valleyview, Lillian continued to demonstrate her great love of children.  She always saw the best in each student.

An active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Lillian sang in the choir, served on the Session, Outreach and Flower Committees, and helped with the church's annual rummage sale.  She was involved in many Oneonta organizations including the Oneonta Garden Club, Friends of Huntington Library, Fox Auxiliary, the Master Gardener Program, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Saturday's Bread, and the Lords' Table. Lillian loved music and the arts and ushered at Glimmerglass Opera. She also enjoyed CCAL classes, Elder Hostel (Road Scholar), Bible study, gardening, sewing and travel in and beyond the U.S.

Beneath Lillian's activity and industriousness ran a deep appreciation for the gift of life with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, diamonds and rust. This appreciation, along with a profound reverence for nature, infused her world. Within her stalwart practicality, Lillian sensed beauty everywhere; especially in simple things. Her being was graced with a vast capacity for love and forgiveness.

Lillian is survived by her daughters, Donnalee Dox (Jay Walton) and Mary Lynn Dox (Fred Griffen); sisters, Irene Berry (Bill) and Joan Hassan, 11 wonderful nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thurston J. Dox (d. 1994), and parents, Lillian (d. 1995) and Martin (d. 1996) Marquardt.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church, 296 Main Street in Oneonta, with the Rev. Mark Montfort, officiating. Those who wish to attend, please call the church for a reservation, 607-432-4286.  Please wear a face cover and maintain social distancing.

Burial will be in Richmondville Cemetery at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to, Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 NY-28, Cooperstown, NY 13326, Heifer Project, www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/animals/index.html or The Lord's Table,18 Elm St., Oneonta, NY 13820

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com .  Oneonta's only family-owned funeral home, Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono at 51 Dietz Street.