Priscilla Landis Moulton

MARBLEHEAD - Priscilla Landis Moulton, age 101, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024. Priscilla was born in 1923, raised in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from The Packer Collegiate Institute in 1940. In 1944, she received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and married fellow Cornellian, Lloyd Jackson Moulton. In the mid-50’s, the mother and homemaker earned her Master of Science in Library Science at Case Western Reserve University.

The Moultons moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts, and soon Priscilla was setting up school libraries in neighboring Swampscott. With the unfailing encouragement of her husband, she became Director of Libraries for the Brookline schools. She pioneered efforts to unite authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers, storytellers and librarians to expand the number, quality and availability of stories to shape the formative years. She partnered with the Library of Congress on Cataloging-in-Publication, helped select Newbery and Caldecott Medal winners, and was President of the Children’s Book Division of the American Library Association.

After her retirement, while nurturing her grandchildren, her love of picture books surfaced anew. Inspired by the life and paintings of John Orne Johnson Frost of Marblehead, Priscilla co-authored Molly Waldo! with her daughter Bethe. Dedicated to her deceased husband “Skipper Jack”, the books arrived on Priscilla’s 90th birthday. Next, the mother-daughter team sought to locate and virtually reunite Frost’s paintings in the only comprehensive book about the artist, The Paintings of J.O.J. Frost: An American Story.

Priscilla had a special ability to unearth hidden treasures. With loving listening, she guided many to exercise their talents. With selfless energy, she fostered bonds among those she touched to enhance their personal and professional growth. Her family and friends have been blessed with her long and healthy life; her quiet inspiration will live on in each of us.

Predeceased by her sister Janet Landis Alvarez, Priscilla is survived by her brother James Philip Landis, her son Bruce Wright Moulton (and his wife Linda Louise Moulton); her daughter Bethe Lee Moulton (and her husband Oscar Robins); her grandchildren James Philip Moulton (and his wife Alyssa Harvey) and Dr. Julia Nichols LaMonica (and her husband Nicholas James LaMonica); her great grandson Jace Robert Harvey and great granddaughter Emalyn Day Moulton, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial gathering will honor Priscilla. In her remembrance, donations may be made to Marblehead Museum (marbleheadmuseum.org) or the Brooksby Village Scholarship Fund. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Priscilla's family.