Lillian Colasuonno

Lillian Colasuonno passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family in Haverhill, MA. She fought a courageous battle against cancer and passed away during the first snowfall of the season on Russian Orthodox Christmas Eve.
Lillian and her identical twin sister were born at home in Brooklyn, New York in 1947. The unassisted delivery by her mother was symbolic of the extraordinary strength that would become the hallmark of her remarkable life journey. She was the proud daughter of Max and Anastasia (Shnip) Gaura. Lillian and her sister were adventurous twins who enjoyed many hijinks and fun times which included secretly saving their lunch money so that they could go horseback riding, leading to Lillian's lifelong love of horses.
Lillian attended Grover Cleveland High School and graduated Cum Laude from Queens College in 1968. Embarking on her career at Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG), she held positions at the forefront of a top financial services firm.
In 1967, she met the love of her life, Tom Colasuonno, at the Community Gardens Dance Club in New York. While quite discerning, she said yes to Tom's proposal to a dance that night, the first of many over the following decades. At St. Claire's Church in Queens, New York, Lillian and Tom joyfully embarked on their marital voyage in November 1969. Together, they forged a family filled with love, and their three children became the heart and soul of their shared existence.
After dedicating time to raising her three children, Lillian resumed her career as an Accountant at Harrison Conference Center in Glen Cove, NY. After relocating from New York to Atkinson New Hampshire, she held a number of accounting positions for regional New England-based firms until retirement in 2010.
Lillian's children, Darlene Breen and her husband Patrick, Jennifer Schaffer and her husband Benjamin, and Richard Colasuonno and his wife Mila, were her pride and joy. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of 8 grandchildren: Liam, Cole, and Ryan Breen; Benjamin, Ashleigh, and Jessica Schaffer; and Leo and Eve Colasuonno. Her children and grandchildren reveled in the boundless love and warmth she showered upon them, creating so many cherished moments. From arts and crafts sessions, reading aloud from favorite books, and engaging in spirited board games to imaginative play on the floor, constructing intricate Lego sets, beach outings, leisurely outings to Eisenhower and Wantagh Park and playgrounds, shared movie experiences, poolside play, and unforgettable family adventures. Lillian's vivacious presence infused joy into every facet of their lives.
Lillian is also survived by her beloved twin sister, Jean Kramer, and her husband George, her brother-in-law Louis Colasuonno and his wife Linda, her brother-in-law Bernie and his wife Donna, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Lillian's zest for life was epitomized through her passions for travel, literature, art, music, films, painting, and crossword puzzles, with a special fondness for celebrating family events, especially weddings. The Christmas season held a special place in her heart, and she transformed each one into a magical experience with her remarkable holiday trees. Family trips, particularly those to Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond, were treasured highlights in Lillian's life. Her admiration for the Old Masters in Europe, coupled with her fondness for Notre-Dame de Paris, La Pieta, the Sistine Chapel, The Sculpture Garden at Musée Rodin, and the Trevi Fountain, showcased her deep appreciation for art. As a skilled artist in her own right, Lillian's paintings, ceramics and sketches, now cherished heirlooms, will grace our homes for generations. Embracing an active lifestyle, she immersed herself in activities such as Pilates, yoga, barre, walking, and jogging.
Throughout her entire life, Lillian radiated beauty both inside and out, leaving an enduring legacy of a vibrant spirit that will continue to shine through the family she nurtured and loved.
Friends and family are invited to Calling Hours for Lillian on Thursday, January 11th, 2023, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 12th, 2024, at 2:00PM, at Saint Anne Parish, 26 Emerson Ave, Hampstead, NH 03841. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center or the High Pointe House of Tufts Medicine would be appreciated. Please find the links below: Mass General Hospital: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center/ High Pointe Hospice House: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=48e00c07-dc8b-4139-9746-18aede377ea9&envid=p-gxfYGZKWK0uiAcVrBZTp2w&zone=usa