Lillian Bero

NEW BRITAIN

Lillian Bero, 95, of New Britain CT / Jacksonville NC passed away September 6, 2024 with her beloved family by her side.

She was born in New Britain on July 3, 1929 to the late John Fosgrau Sr. and Martha (Schwartz) Fosgrau, and into their large blended family that she loved. Lil and her brother, John Fosgrau, were the last two to complete the family, consisting of Donald Holmes, Russell Holmes, Lois Gresczyk, Robert Holmes, Carl Fosgrau, Doris Gadzik, and Agnes Chambers. After graduation from

New Britain High School (1947), she worked as a bookkeeper at Adkins Printing Company.

Lillian met James Frederick Bero on a blind date and they quickly formed a loving bond, marrying in April, 1953. James was a graduate of Bryant College, a US Army World War II veteran, and an auditor for Aetna. They enjoyed traveling together for James's work their first year of marriage before buying a home in New Britain to raise a family.

Four children quickly filled the house: Kenneth, Robert, Susan, and Richard. Sadly, James passed away after 10 years, leaving Lil heartbroken, but never empty-hearted. She lovingly devoted herself to raising her young children into accomplished, happy adults; through sports, learning to drive (both kids and her), dogs, and a live-in elderly mother, Lil survived it all and the family thrived. She was a steadfast foundation in their lives, and warmly welcomed her in-laws into the family - Debbie, Joanne, Brett and Denise. Through it all she remained in love with Jim until the very end, delightfully telling stories of him to all the generations, where you would feel wrapped in the love, she felt

for him.

As her children grew older, Lillian began working for Springbrook Ice and Fuel where she became a fixture. Beyond being a job, the owners and coworkers became her second family, which she was forever grateful for. Likewise, she was grateful for her lifetime friends from high school days, dubbed the Jolly Niners. Retiring in 1999, Lil gladly volunteered at First Congregational Church and the food banks in New Britain, until she moved to Jacksonville NC, in 2004. There, she easily made many new friends in her Autumn Ridge community and church, which she cherished until her passing.

Her gentle love and positive attitude were passed on to her grandchildren and spouses: Jennifer and Phil Klaas, Amy and Sean Norman, Grace Bero, Chris

Sr and May Manookian, Ruth and Shaun Stotts, Brian and Leah Miller, Kevin and Sonia Miller, Lisa Bero and Kyle Taylor, and James Bero; and her great- grandchildren: Savannah, McKenna, Chris Jr, Eddie, Rebecca (deceased), Sammi, Jacob, Brie, Kyle, and Maya; and great-great-grandchildren: Brayden and Everett. She loved to travel with Bob and Joanne, babysit for Rich and Denise's children, laugh with Ken and Deb's game-loving family, and become part of the Wolf Pack through Sue and Brett's family.

Lil always had a happy disposition, and loved the simple things in life, family most of all. She filled her later life with friends, board games (she was a whiz at Rummikub), card games (May I?), puzzles (1,000 pieces didn't scare her) and bingo.

Lil was the most amazing mother, friend, grandmother, worker, sister, and daughter. Her loss makes us sad, but not empty-hearted. We still hold her love, and smile thinking of her happy reunion with Jim.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Lillian Bero