Lillian E. Sylvain

HINCKLEY -- Lillian E. Sylvain, 84, died March 6, 2009, at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan following a brief illness. Her loving husband and family were by her side.

Lillian was born March 11, 1924, in Skowhegan, the daughter of Harry L. and Marion E. (Steward) Lancaster. She was educated in the schools of Skowhegan, graduating in 1943. Being married to Raymond E. Sylvain Sr. since March 31, 1945, they would have celebrated their 64th anniversary this March.

During World War II, while her husband was overseas, Lillian worked as a secretary and in the Skowhegan Woolen Mill. After the war she became a housewife and raised four children. Lillian was a talented seamstress who took great pride in designing her daughter's wedding gown along with all her bridesmaids' dresses.

Lillian also enjoyed gardening, feeding wildlife and baking her famous strawberry rhubarb pie that had been known to cross time zones just so her grandchildren could enjoy her pie.

Lillian's family would like to thank the staff of the Redington-Fairview Special Care Unit for their professionalism and empathy during this trying time.

Lillian is survived by her husband of 63 years, Raymond E. Sylvain Sr. of Hinckley; three daughters, Sandra J. Whittenburg and her husband, Rick Van Voorhis, of Tulsa, Okla., Judith Whittemore and her husband, Darrell Whittemore, of Skowhegan, and Diane Poulin and her husband, Peter, of Readfield; a brother, Norman Lancaster and sister Barbara Arris, both of Skowhegan; grandchildren, Chris Whittenburg and his wife, Melanie, Terri Dickinson and her husband, Jason, Wade Whittemore and his wife, Dee Dee, and Arika Strunk and her husband, Jason; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Ashton Dickinson, Breeanna Nicolletti, Nikolas and Lydia Whittemore; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a son, Raymond E. Sylvain Jr., son-in-law, Michael Whittenburg; brothers, Kenneth and Carroll Lancaster; and sisters, Phyllis Locke, Helen Mathieu and Kathleen "Tina" Bailey.

Friends wishing may make donations in her memory to the Somerset Humane Society, P.O. Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976, or to Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Special Care Unit, P.O. Box 468, Skowhegan, ME 04976, attn.: Sue Forbus.

At Lillian's request there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.