Mrs. Lillian Major, 90, of State College, died Saturday, September 3, 2005, at the Fairways at Brookline Village in State College, PA.
She was born April 16, 1915, in Middlesborough, North Yorkshire, England, a daughter of the late Henry and Lillian Harris Moody.
In September of 1961 she married John C. Major who died Feb. 12, 1972. Previously in 1946 she married David L. Dickson, who died in August of 1950.
Lillian completed her educational requirements at age 15, then studied acting, theater and dance in England.
She served in the British Navy in the Far East during World War II.
Early in life Lillian worked in retail shops in England and worked as an actress and dancer in the Prince of Wales Theater. Advancing in her career, she worked as an actress and dancer in the movie "Accused" in 1937. She came to the United States in 1947. In 1953 she became the first curator of the Boal Mansion Museum, in Boalsburg, while simultaneously planning and supervising the restoration of the mansion through 1961. She was also responsible for the organization of the Boal Barn Theater in Boalsburg, where she planned and supervised the restoration and adaptation of the barn to be used as a theater. She served as an actress in the first public play and several subsequent plays at the Boal Barn, as well as serving on the board of directors for several years. Her work in the area and her personal history is described in detail in an article in the Centre Daily Times Currents section titled "Lady of the House" published April 28, 2002.
Mrs. Major was a member of the Church of England, and after coming to the Unite States, attended the Episcopal Church. She was a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Contributor's Club at Centre Community Hospital.
She had a deep interest in art, history, dance, and the welfare of animals.
She is survived by a survived by a step-daughter, Marian Miller Conner of Los Angeles, California.
At her request there will be no public visitation.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a. m. Thursday, September 8, 2005 at Centre County Memorial Park, 1032 Benner Pike, State College, PA with the Rev. Larry J. Hofer officiaing. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boal Barn Playhouse, Boalsburg, PA 16827 or the Centre County S.P.C.A., 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
A guest book can be signed, memories shared, or condolences sent, at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com