Lillian Irene Sears

Lillian Irene Sears of Leominster Leominster Lillian Irene Sears was born in Leominster, on December 27, 1917, the fourth of fifteen children born to the late Azilda (Roux) and Arthur Lavallee. When she was four years old the family moved to a farm in East Charlotte, VT with a subsequent move two years later to pursue farming in Williston, VT. She graduated from Lamson School in Williston and then attended Mount St. Mary's Academy in Burlington, VT. During the Great Depression the family lost their farm and returned to Leominster. Married to the late Raymond E. Sears she resided in Leominster until 2004 when she moved to Fitchburg to live with her daughter. Lillian lived a very active life complete with rewarding work experiences and many generous hours devoted to volunteer work. While raising her family she did dress making and alterations. She worked for several years at St. Leo's cafeteria during the 60's. After graduating from Manpower she became employed as a cook at St. Leo's church rectory, which was followed by 22 years as cafeteria manager at Julie Country Day School where she is still remembered for "Mrs. Sears' Pizza". She retired in 1996 at the young age of 79. Throughout her life Lillian gave many hours of her time in service to others. She was a very active member of St. Leo's Parish where she sang in the adult choir for 38 years and worked for the parish's annual bazaar and chicken barbeque. Her volunteer work there also included 30 years assisting in the Bishop's Fund, as well as serving as the Prefect for the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality where she organized a parish cook book to raise money for a scholarship fund for graduating seniors pursing a college education. Once retired her passion for volunteer work continued as she sewed scapulars for the missions. Her love to serve others was best expressed as the silent woman in the background watching the joy of others delighting in the works she quietly performed. Lillian leaves behind a son John Sears and his wife Sue of Fitchburg, as well as four daughters Jeannette Chambers of Leominster, Helene LaFosse and her husband Robert of Winchendon, Dorothy Sears of VT, and Janice Colgate and her husband Malcolm of Fitchburg. There are also 26 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild all residing throughout MS, AZ, NC, CT, MD, VT and MA. She also leaves behind five sisters, Aline Infantino of FL, and Dorothy Hanley, Theresa Infantino, Madeline Marcoux, and Marie Blondin of Leominster. She was predeceased by two sons Joseph Raymond Sears and George Sears, as well as by her daughter Patricia DiRusso and her siblings Rose Bardier, Gerard, Albert, Conrad, Paul, Andrew, Charles, John, and Herman Lavallee. All will miss her dearly. SEARS The funeral will be held on Thursday November 6, 2008 from the Wright-Roy Funeral Home, 109 West St, Leominster, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am in St. Leo's Church, 128 Main St, Leominster. Burial will be in St. Cecilia Cemetery, Leominster. Calling hours will be on Wednesday November 5, 2008 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the evening and Thursday morning from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the Funeral Home. To light a candle, sign the guestbook or send a message of condolence please visit www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com