Lillian Champagne

Lillian (Lil) A. Champagne (Denoncourt) 97, passed away peacefully on
January 16 th surrounded by family at the home of her daughter Linda
Thomas in Gainesville FL. She was born on August 27, 1927, in Pinardville
NH, the daughter of the late Wilfred Denoncourt and Annette Carey.
Lillian married her high school sweetheart Roland (Red) Champagne, in
May of 1946 shortly after Roland's return from his Naval duties serving in
WWII. Roland passed away in 2016 shortly before they were to celebrate
their 70 th wedding anniversary. You won't find two people more in love for
that amount of time.
Lillian has four siblings, Irene Nolet of Manchester NH, Armand Denoncourt
of Spring Hill FL, Clair Roy with her husband Conrad of Manchester NH,
Janey Carney of Hickory NC.
Roland and Lillian had six children, all while living in Manchester NH. The
late Pauline Porton with her husband Morris of Spring Hill FL, Richard with
his wife Pat of Tampa FL, Donald with his wife Denise of Spring Hill FL,
David with his wife Mary of Fremont NH, Lory Wooley with her husband
Paul of Wichita KS, Linda Thomas with her husband Paul of Gainesville FL.
Lillian's love of family extended to a total of 87 grandchildren including
several great and great grandchildren. Needless to say, that consumed a
lot of her time and energy. Holiday parties at the Champagne household
were very lively.
Following Roland's retirement from the Navy after 25 years, they decided to
buy a variety store at Massabesic Lake in Manchester called Sandys
Variety. Shortly after Roland became known as Sandy. They grew the
business by building a combination store and sandwich shop across the
street. After several years at the new store, they decided it was time for
retirement, so in 1978 they moved to Spring Hill FL. Retirement didn't last
long and they decided to purchase a restaurant, renaming it Sandys. Many
family members participated in running Sandys until they decided to retire
for good.
Lillian loved to sew, which included making many of the children's clothes
when they were young as well as Christmas stockings and stuffed Santa
Clauses. She also raised French Poodles, always falling in love with them.
In Spring Hill she took in foster children, often falling in love with them too.
She also made beautiful wedding cakes for her children's weddings.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31 from 9:00 – 11:00 to include a
celebration of life and blessing. Brewer & Sons Funeral Home, 280
Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill FL. It will be followed by a precession to the
Veterans National Cemetery in Bushnell FL. at 12:30 where she will be
joining the love of her life, Roland.