Andover - On November 12, 2023, the world lost a "lovely soul." Lydia Hamilton Hill died peacefully in the presence of several of her children. Born in 1926 to Susan and David Hamilton, she was the youngest of 5 children.

She wed Rowland Hill Sr. in 1947, a marriage lasting 66 years, and with a faith close and strong, raised 7 children over 3 decades (19 years of which had teenagers). She not only loved them and her husband well, she seemed to have an infinite amount of love for all who crossed her path. She knew everyone's name and their story and they knew hers.

Lydia loved history, music, art and gardening. She played the violin in the Cape Anne Symphony Orchestra for many years, even studying under the concert mistress privately when the demands of raising children began to diminish. When the house was quiet, she also loved to play hymns on the piano all by ear, all with great flourish.

Lydia was predeceased by husband Rowland, son-in-law Stephen MacLeod, and daughter-in-law Wendy Wonson Hill. She is survived by brother- and sister-in-law William and Meredith Hill, Rowland Hill, Robin MacLeod, Cedric and Alberta Hill, Brian and Stephanie Hill, Audrey and Frank Vitale, Georgia and Gregory Wostrel, Jeffrey Hill and Laura Burns, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Her family, and all who knew her are, at once, both brokenhearted and grateful to have had such a loving woman who took her role in each of their lives so seriously. She will be remembered fondly and missed greatly.

A New Hampshire memorial service for Lydia will take place in the spring.