CHELMSFORD - Jane B. Drury, 77, a resident of Chelmsford for 50 years, died at her home March 28 after a long battle with ALS.  She was the wife of William H. Drury, with whom she celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on Oct. 9th  2008.

She was born in Waterbury, CT on May 6, 1931, daughter of Elizabeth R. (Holden) and Harmon S. Boyd.  She attended schools in Woodbury, CT, where she graduated as valedictorian.  In 1952 she received a degree in chemistry from the New Jersey College for Women (Rutgers).  After graduation, Mrs. Drury was employed by Flako Food Products and Merck Pharmaceutical Co.

Mrs. Drury was a Girl Scout for over 50 years and especially enjoyed camping and the out of doors.  She became interested in local history around 1970 and was known for her historical research of the old buildings in Chelmsford.  In 2004, the Chelmsford Historical Society presented her with its Guardian Award and in 2006 she was chosen to be one of two marshals for the 4th of July parade.  She was a member of the Middlesex Canal Association for over 40 years and served as Chelmsford's delegate to the Middlesex Canal Commission.  As a member of the First Parish unitarian- Universalist Church, she was active in the choir and was a past-president of the Womens Alliance.  She also chaired the Archives Committee of the Church. She and her husband square danced for 36 years, and enjoyed traveling, especially to Kauai and on small ship cruises.  She was a member of the Middlesex Women’s Club until illness prevented her participation.   Since childhood Mrs. Drury has enjoyed music, singing many years in church choirs, and listening to operas.  A highlight of each summer was vacationing at Eagle Camp in Vermont where she first met her husband over sixty years ago.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth F. Benson and her husband Peter of Saranac Lake, NY; a son, Robert B. Drury and his wife Kathleen of Nashua, NH; four grandchildren, Michael Benson of Syracuse, NY, Emily Benson of Fairbanks, AK, Abigail Drury and Christopher Drury of Nashua, NH.; and a half brother, Austin Boyd of Chapin, SC .  She was predeceased by her sister, Helen Steele of Tigaard, OR.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 11, at the First Parish Unitarian-Universalist Church, 2 Westford Street, Chelmsford, MA 01824.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Visiting Nurse Assn of Greater Lowell, 336 Central St, Lowell, MA 01852; or to First Parish Unitarian-Universalist Church.

                          Jane and Bill