Lily Fielding, one of Sudbury’s best known philanthropists, has passed away at the age of 103.
The Fielding’s are one of city's early founding families and have financially supported various charities and sectors including the arts, education, healthcare, and the environment over the years. One of the most notable donations was when the family gave more than 300 acres of park land in the south end of Sudbury to the community for the development of Kivi Park.
Local leaders have offered condolences to the family, including Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger, who released this statement:
"As Mayor, I join the community of Greater Sudbury in mourning the passing of Lily Fielding.
Lily’s legacy of philanthropic initiatives for the arts, education, health care, and the environment, including the gifting of the incredible Kivi Park to the public have had a profound impact across on our community and the people who live here in so many ways.
I want to thank Lily for all of her generosity and efforts towards making our community a better place to live which I know will be celebrated by many for generations to come.
On behalf of City Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Lily Fielding."
Others shared on social media.
"So, so sad to hear of the passing of Lily Fielding. Elle était une femme charmante et vivante. She will be missed by friends, family, and the whole community," said Paul Lefebvre, MP for Sudbury, on Twitter.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Lily Fielding at the venerable age of 103. Through her generosity and philanthropy, she impacted so many people and causes. Mrs. Fielding has also been one of the most generous donors in the history of @HSN_Sudbury," said Dominic Giroux, Chief Executive Officer of Health Sciences North, in a tweet.
"Lily Fielding was a real leader in community development and wonderful example to her family and to us all in the importance of investing in our community. All Sudburians owe her a great debt. In her honour, let`s pay it forward! Merci Lily!” said Pierre Zundel, past interim president of Laurentian University, on Twitter.
A funeral service for Lily Fielding will take place on Monday, September 16 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Epiphany in Sudbury. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Clifford and Lily Fielding Foundation would be appreciated.
