Nora Hill Akley

BARRE TOWN—Nora Hill Akley, 87, died Friday, Aug. 17, 2007 at the home of caregivers Raymond and Evelyn Richer, at Joe’s Pond in Cabot.

She was born June 29, 1920, in Lyndon Center, the daughter of William and Eunice (Magoon) Hill. She graduated from the Lyndon Institute in 1938, and in 1942, graduated cum laude from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in music. She received her M.A. in Education from UVM in 1973.

On May 21, 1944 she married Gordon E. "Jack" Akley in Lyndonville. Following their marriage, they lived in Tampa, Fla. and in 1945, following his military service, they moved to Barre. Her husband died January 24, 1992.

She was a private piano teacher at her home on Cliff Street in Barre, from 1950-64. In 1964, she became a music teacher in the Barre Town school system and became head of the music department, retiring in 1982.

Reading, playing bridge and the family cottage at Caspian Lake were her special interests as well as offering philanthropic educational opportunities to women as a member of PEO.

Her memberships included the Barre Congregational Church where she had been organist for 25 years; the CO-Ads, the Bible study group and women’s fellowship group at her church; and the Venice, Fla. UVM Alumni group. She was also the piano accompanist for the Barre Rotary Club "Rotabarrians."

Survivors include her two daughters Nancy Akley-Henderson and her husband, William, of Raleigh, N.C.; and Patricia Akley-Warlick and her husband, Louis, of Randolph Center; and her son Norman Akley and his wife, Lauren La Morte, of Barre Town, with whom she had made her home; seven grandchildren: Sean and Scot Drown, Benjamin and Gina Akley, and Ashley, Payson and Sydney Warlick; four great-grandchildren; Ty, Bryce, Thomas and Kristen Drown; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, and three brothers: Maurice, Arthur Sr., and Howard Hill.

Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 21 at the Barre Congregational Church. Interment will take place at the Village Cemetery in Greensboro, at the convenience of her family. There were no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Book of Remembrance, Barre Congregational Church, 35 Church Street, Barre, Vt. 05641; or to the Music Department, Barre Town Elementary School, 70 Websterville Road, Barre, Vt. 05641.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, is in charge of arrangements.

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