Lydia Cleveland

Lydia Coretta Cleveland, 100, a resident of East Road, passed away May 29, 2018 at Bennington Health & Rehabilitation surrounded by her family. Lydia was born in Whitingham, VT on April 21, 1918 the daughter of the late George and Mabel Etta (Wiswall) Griswold. She was youngest of 8 children and was 3 years old when her mother died. She was raised by her adopted parents George and Cora Harris, moving to Vernon, VT where she received her early education at Vernon, VT elementary school, graduated in 1936 from Brattleboro High School and from Concord Memorial School of Nursing, Concord, NH class of 1940. Lydia worked as a Registered Nurse at Putnam Memorial Hospital (now Southwestern Vermont Medical Center)for 29 years retiring in 1980. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, MT. Anthony Chapter #1 and later the Red Mountain Chapter #41 in Arlington, VT. Lydia also served as President of the Bennington County Registered Nurses Association for several years. She wintered for 20 years along with her husband in Fruitland Park, Florida where she served as President of the Fruitland Park Home Owners Association planning and organizing several cruises. Prior to settling in Florida, her & Stanley spent many happy times traveling with their camper as members of The Good Sam Camping Club. She enjoyed flowers (raising many African violets), sewing, reading, crossword puzzles, knitting & crocheting afghans, sweaters, scarfs & hats for her family. In Florida she took classes in the craft of Quilling and presented family with many beautiful framed works of art. Upon moving back to Vermont she lived with her daughter Carol Harrington in Bennington. Lydia is survived by her children David G. Cleveland and significant other Linda Dahn of Middletown, NY; Joseph A. Cleveland and wife Bonnie of North Richland Hills, TX; Steven G. Cleveland and wife Darlene of Bennington and Carol C.Harrington also of Bennington; grandchildren Lynne and husband Andrew Farrell of Bennington; Frank Harrington and wife Susan of Warrenton, VA; Gregory Cleveland and significant other Melanie Charpentier of Shaftsbury; Brian Cleveland of Loveland,Colorado; Jennifer Broome and husband Michael of Conroe, TX ; Eric Cleveland and wife Diane of Lake Stevens, Washington; Joseph Cleveland Jr and wife Traci of Benbrook, TX ; Julie Roff and husband Paul of Alvarado, TX; Lori Hill and husband John of Sacramento, Calif; Jason and Jared Anderson of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; 23 great grandchildren ; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Stanley G. Cleveland whom she married February 12, 1941 in Concord, NH. Mr. Cleveland died November 25, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Arnold Harrington (died June 2013). Funeral services for Lydia will be held SUNDAY, JUNE 24th at 12pm at Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT. Interment will follow in the family lot in Waite Cemetery in Shaftsbury. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11am-12pm. If friends desire, memorial gifts in Lydia's memory may be made to VNA and Hospice, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201. Funeral services for Lydia will be held SUNDAY, JUNE 24th at 12pm at Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street Bennington, VT. Interment will follow in the family lot in Waite Cemetery in Shaftsbury. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11am-12pm.