Obituary of Lucille V. Dachos

Lu, affectionately called “LuLu”, was a feisty, independent Southern Belle. Born in Swannanoa, North Carolina, she spent her childhood there with her parents and three older brothers until they relocated to Nashua, New Hampshire. A rising star as a high school Junior and Senior, Lu was lead singer in a popular swing band. While performing, she met her All-Star football player and life partner, Jim Dachos (predeceased 12/18/2014). Married, they moved to Portland, Maine, East Greenbush, New York, and then settled in their home of 60 years, South Hadley, Massachusetts.

There, they raised their three children and established a thriving dry cleaning/uniform rental business. In addition, Lu was a legal secretary for Fuller, Sharoff and Smith in Springfield, MA. She fondly recalled researching property titles the “old way”, hand drawing plot plans and poring over huge tomes in Hampshire County Registry of Deeds. In the 70’s and 80’s, Lu joined the family business, managing the Hampden Street Holyoke location with lifelong friends; Anita and Eileen. Vibrant in the South Hadley community, Lu supported her children’s/grandchildren’s sports, activities, performances, and accomplishments while working full time and participating in civic and religious organizations. She served as South Hadley Women’s Club Membership Chair for decades, and as an active member of the South Hadley Falls Congregational Church and Choir. Her love for music shone through many performances with the South Hadley Chorale from its inception until her 90th birthday. Furthermore, Lu was a passionate sports expert enthusiast. She loved her Red Sox and Patriots! A die hard dedicated Boston fan, her enthusiasm for athletics energized her aerobics classes until she was 88 years old.

Lu treasured her Ferry Beach cottage, the “Sandlot”, in Saco, Maine since the early 1960’s. Each June, she packed up and became a “Mainer” until October. A strong activist for “Save Our Shore” (SOS), she was dedicated to saving the dunes from irreparable destruction. In addition, Lu enjoyed junking for treasures, collecting sea-glass, and entertaining family and friends with her husband “Pops”. Avid sailors, Lu was the exceptional “First mate” to Captain Jim as they explored the coast of Maine, Greek Isles, the Caribbean, and Central and South America with family and friends on fairytale adventures. As life slowed for feisty Lu, her exceptional caregiver, Ama, filled Lu’s home with laughter, strength, and comfort.

Lu was a loving mom, doting grandmother, proud great-grandmother, and friend to: daughter Deb Dachos and partner, Jeff, of South Deerfield, MA; grandsons Travers and Jason and wife, Anne, and dad Chris Curtis, great-grandson Theo and great-granddaughter Mae; son, Jim Dachos and wife, Betsy, of Newbury, MA, grandson James and granddaughter Kyleigh; son, Tim Dachos and partner, Michelle of Amherst, MA; grandsons, Tim and Kevin and granddaughter, Allie.

Lulu’s list of “best reasons to be alive as long as possible” included; family, home, being appreciated, music, sports, a good martini, her Subaru, crosswords, and a mid-day Soap.

Services for Lu will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Ferry Beach Retreat and Conference Center, Saco, Maine www.ferrybeach.org.

Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home entrusted with Lu’s care.