Lucy Crichton

Lucy Crichton, long-time Concord resident, departed this earthly plane Thursday, July 7th, with her daughter Sarah by her side at Granite Hospice House. Lucy was 77.  Lucy’s life was dedicated to making this world a better place through her social work, political activism, and her civic and spiritual engagement.

Lucy grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the second of three children of Lucy and Bob Crichton. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1967 with a BS in Social Work. In 1974 she received her MA in Social History, from Cambridge Goddard School.

Lucy came to New Hampshire in the early 1970s. Her career was diverse as a social worker and counselor. She demonstrated her leadership skills as director of the NH Feminist Health Center, lobbyist for the NH Women’s Lobby, director of the Warner Women’s Oral History Project, executive director of the NH Family Planning Council and the NH Bar Foundation.

Lucy was a founding member of Carolyn Parrott’s Songweavers, making music that was accessible, political and powerful. She co-authored The Healing Handbook with Barbara Filleul after their diagnoses with breast cancer and pursued a spiritual path integrating art, prayer and healing. As she continued her spiritual journey, she founded Freedom to Heal, wrote extensively on health issues, and earned a Doctor of Ministry in 2006 from Wisdom University/ University of Creation Spirituality.

Lucy did her residency in clinical pastoral education at Havenwood-Heritage Heights where she later served as chaplain. For decades she actively engaged in Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire where she was a commissioned pastoral leader. St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Hopkinton, her spiritual home, embraced her as a member of the vestry and a lay leader.  She founded and directed the Making Your Mark Arts Camp.

Lucy is survived by her daughter Sarah Metting and husband John Nichols and grandchildren Sadie and Edmond of Strafford; sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Andy Lewis of Denver; brother Scott Crichton and sister-in-law Gwen Florio of Missoula; lifelong friend Deborah Drysdale of San Francisco; Fred Metting, former husband and longtime friend; and Jane McClung close friend and housemate.

Lucy leaves behind innumerable close friends, relatives and extended family who knew her as a loving, gentle and compassionate soul. She was a devoted grandmother and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She loved golf, yoga, swimming and bridge. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory to ACLU of NH Foundation, or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. 

A memorial service and reception will be Monday, July 18th at 4pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Hopkinton. For Zoom link for the service please reach out to the church.