Why didn't Lily have to die?

[JoAnna]

No: HPFGUIDX 93615

<<<Max replies:
Yes, personally I have no trouble believing that Voldemort might lie
to Harry (or stretch the truth in this case), especially if he was
trying to taunt Harry and make him feel defeated.>>>

JoAnna:

I agree - after all, Voldemort has never been considered a paragon of
truth and honesty.  It's entirely possible that he was trying to
torture Harry with guilt when he said "Your mother didn't have to
die," hoping Harry would think something along the lines of, "Oh, it's
all my fault she's dead."