NORTHFIELD — Lifelong resident Lois Stearns has resigned from the Finance Committee at 92 years old, wrapping up her 32 years of service to the town that she says was “the natural thing” to do.

“I just enjoyed the work, you know, and the progress that the town has made over the years in the various departments,” Stearns said.

Stearns’ resignation letter, which came as a result of health issues, was approved during a Selectboard meeting earlier this month.

What kept Stearns motivated during her 32 years in town government was her interest in the various departments and what was being accomplished by them, she said. As a Finance Committee member, she helped “advise and make various recommendations to our voters on various expenditures.” Once she got started in this role, she wanted to keep going.

“I like being involved and I had the time once I retired, and it seemed like the right thing to do,” she said. “It gave me something to keep mentally active in my retirement.”

Stearns has lived in Northfield her whole life. Although her father, Galen Stearns, died when she was 7 years old, she lived with her mother, Helen Stearns, and her brother, Dwight Stearns.

“My mother, I think she did an excellent job of raising me and my brother,” she said.

Growing up, Stearns went to Northfield Elementary School and managed to skip first grade because she “picked up some things” by having a brother who was a year and a half older than her. In 1947, Stearns graduated from Northfield High School (what is now the north side of the town’s elementary school) as valedictorian. She then attended American International College.

Stearns went on to work for the Social Security office in Fitchburg. After retiring in 1989, Stearns began her work with the town as a Selectboard member, serving two terms. She then picked up the Finance Committee role in 1997.

Following in her family’s footsteps, Stearns said it was “the natural thing to serve the town.” She came from a family full of Northfield town accountants, assessors, Selectboard members, Finance Committee members and fire chiefs.

“It’s just the way the family is,” Stearns reflected. “We’ve been involved and wanted to serve the town.”

Stearns said her fondest memories from her time on the Finance Committee involve watching the growth and progress in some of Northfield’s departments. For example, when Stearns began her position on the committee, she said the budget was about $3 million. Today, the budget is more than $8 million.

During a recent Selectboard meeting where the board accepted Stearns’ resignation, members reflected on her contributions to the town. Mary Sullivan-Bowen complimented Stearns for her patience in answering financial questions, while Chair Barbara “Bee” Jacque recounted some advice Stearns had given her when she was running for Selectboard.

“Lois said to me, ‘Do your homework,’” Jacque recalled, adding that she intends to pass this advice on to others and continue Stearns’ legacy. “She’s amazing.”

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