Emily Mary (Fila) Bancroft

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of Emily Bancroft. She passed peacefully at home on the morning of October 9th, 2024, after a long courageous battle with cancer.  Born and raised in Hardwick, Emily was the daughter of Amelia (Tobiasz) and Fred Fila.  She graduated from Hardwick High School and attended the University of Massachusetts. She began a career as an art teacher in the Chicopee school's post-graduation, later substitute teaching in the Hardwick and Ware public schools while her children were young. She was a prolific writer and artist, a longtime member and Chairman of the Hardwick Historical Commission, enthusiastic volunteer at her beloved hometown Hardwick Fair, and lifetime member of the Hardwick Historical Society.  Emily was a 4-H leader, avid horse lover and rider, and unofficial historian of the Town of Hardwick.  Emily’s prize-winning artwork and quilts were often highlighted at local fairs and exhibits. She was also a faithful communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Emily authored “The History of Hardwick, Massachusetts, 1865-1950”, “Pony Pictures - Photographs of the 1900’s "Hidden Hardwick”, and “I Remember”, a documentation of stories from Hardwick’s elders.   Along with her sister, Emily was instrumental in producing a video: “We Once Called this Home” about the Hardwick homes lost to the Quabbin Reservoir. Emily is survived by her son Timothy of Worcester; her daughter Rachel, son-in-law Jesus, and grandsons Veyron and Magnus Montoya of Lynn; and her sister, Elizabeth and brother-in-law Franklyn Cyran of Hardwick.  Her husband of 45 years, Russell Bancroft passed in 2022. Calling hours will be held on November 14, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM at Cebula Funeral Home, 66 South Street, Ware, MA.  A memorial service for Emily will be held at 2 PM on November 15, 2024, at St Mary’s Church, South Street, Ware, MA with celebration of her life following in the center of Hardwick. Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church or the Hardwick Historical Society. 

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