Greenfield, Dorothy Cyril Thomason, 86, died Wednesday November 2nd, 2016 at Poet’s Seat Nursing Home in Greenfield. She was born in Louisville, Georgia on September 14^th, 1930, the daughter of Mason Cyril Thomason and Dorothy Clark Thomason. 

Cyril’s father died in a plane crash before she was born. As a child she lived in Georgia, then in Richmond, Va., with her mother. She went to Germany with her mother and stepfather, Henry Tragle, a US Army officer, when he was stationed there, before settling in Amherst with her family. In her later life Cyril lived in Greenfield. 

Legally blind from birth, Cyril had enormous determination and intelligence, and lived life to the fullest. She learned Braille, and read hundreds of books. She loved travel, both in the US and in Europe. She often visited family and friends in the South. 

She loved music, especially opera. She had a beautiful soprano voice, and was a member for many years of the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus. She adored the Saturday Metropolitan Opera broadcasts.  

She was a member of the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield, a staunch Democrat, and a member of the League of Women Voters.   

Cyril had many friends, and was a great socializer and conversationalist. Her warm smile and distinctive southern accent were a delight to all who knew her. She is greatly missed.

She is survived by two cousins, Alice Clark and Rosalind Clark Mason of Cleveland, Georgia. 

She will be buried with her mother and stepfather in Wildwood Cemetery in Amherst. 

Special thanks to the Hospice team at Poet’s Seat, who cared for her in her last months. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.