Obituary: Lillian Mae Drury Northam

Mrs. Lillian Drury Northam, whose death occurred on July 11, was perhaps the best known and most beloved woman in Wilmette. Except for her college years, her entire life had been spent in our village. At an early age she showed marked ability in music and, after graduating from Downers College at Delafield, Wisconsin, she attended the Chicago Musical College receiving her degree in June 1892. The following year, as an increasingly successful musician, she was much in demand for recitals, concerts and as an accompanist. Her marriage in June, 1897 to Mr. Harry Rupert Northam marked the beginning of a new phase of life and the responsibility of motherhood gave her less tme to devote to her music. In 1916 Mr. Northam passed away, leaving her with five small children. It was then she became Probation and Truant Officer of Wilmette and in 1917 she assumed the added responsibility of Social Welfare Worker, serving in all three positions at the time of her passing. She was a member of the Wilmette School Board in 1915-1916, was the first movie censor and was for many years closely connected with Judge Mary Bartlme's court. In her later years I believe Mrs. Northam was best known for her social service work. She was earnest, faithful and untiring in her efforts to bring about the best results for those less ofrtunate and shared the joys, sorrows and confidences of Wilmette people in all walks of life. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Dr. McGill's service was founded on her favorite quotations, marked in her own Bible, with a few of her best loved poems, one of which follows. E.W. [unidentified author] [Poem: Life I Am Ready]