Nature Done Wright

The world lost an amazing person last week. Her name was Lillian “Sis” Myer Thomas. She was 101. With her late husband, Stiles, she was a true force for good.

Lillian, who lived for nearly eight decades in Allendale, will be remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. (On her 90th birthday more than a decade ago, Stiles described her as “my girlfriend of 72 years.”)

For others who were close to her, she will be remembered as a dearest friend.

For everyone else who knew Lillian, she will be remembered for her dedication – whether she was working at the regional food bank, serving on the planning board, toiling tirelessly behind the scenes to expand and champion the Celery Farm Nature Preserve, tending to her beloved butterfly garden with friends, and so much more.

In 2013, the borough of Allendale renamed a 20-acre patch of wetlands in her honor. Here’s what the accompanying proclamation said:

“Whereas Lillian Thomas, a long-time resident of Allendale, New Jersey, has been dedicated to protecting the environment for more than half a century.

“And whereas these efforts include her decades-long work to create and protect the 107-acre Celery Farm Natural Area, and her many years of public service on the borough planning board.

“And whereas Lillian Thomas was the catalyst for preserving the Allendale wetlands, 20 acres of environmentally sensitive borough-owned land.

“And whereas Lillian Thomas helped ensure that these high-quality wetlands, now owned by the Passaic River Coalition, will now remain open space forever.

“The borough of Allendale proclaims that the Allendale Wetlands be renamed the Lillian Thomas Natural Area.”

Amen.