PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lillian Esther Bachli Shelsy, 99, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died at Berkshire Place on February 8, 2018. 

Lillian was born in Pittsfield on April 23, 1918, the daughter of Otto and Lydia Keller Bachli. She grew up in Dalton with her six siblings, all of whom predeceased her. Her brothers were Werner, David, and Jacob Bachli, and her sisters were Alice Way, Rosalie Stevens and Lydia Quinn.

She married Dr. Michael Shelsy on July 3, 1941, in Pittsfield, where they lived at 87 Northumberland Road for most of their married lives. In July of 1993, Dr. Shelsy passed away. 

She is survived by their five children, Dr. Michael Samuel Shelsy of Pittsfield, Dr. David Jacob Shelsy and his wife Kathy of Hingham, Jean Lillian Porter and her husband Tom of Lee, Dr. Peter Joseph Shelsy and his wife Susan of Peru and Carol Marie Shelsy of Webster. She also has eight cherished grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Lillian dedicated her life to making a safe and loving home. She was an exceptionally kind soul who enjoyed simple pleasures and joyful gatherings of extended family and friends. She was the last of her wonderful, beloved generation. The family would like to thank Berkshire Place for their excellent care during the time of Lillian’s residency.

Funeral notice: A private memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.