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Lily Whittle Obituary
Lily Dolores Whittle died Monday September 27, 2010, of natural causes at the age of 95.
She was born in Rutland, Vermont on August 30, 1915 to Christi and Ortensia Fucci.
She was an excellent student, and graduated from the University of Vermont in Burlington Vermont. She went on to work in Harlem as a Public Health nurse.
Lily joined the Army in 1942, as World War 2 was ongoing. She shipped off with the 32nd Division Nursing Corp to New Guinea, a Japanese Stronghold, to establish the 13th Station Hospital in the jungle. She flew on DC 3's across the Gulf of Torres to bring wounded soldiers to the field hospital during the Battle of Buna and the bombings of Darwin. These were some of the most challenging and proudest moments in Lily's long life. It was here she met her future husband, Albert John Whittle. They were married in 1945, and settled in San Francisco, Ca where their children were born. In 1956, the family moved to San Rafael, where she lived for 50 years. She worked in nursing at various facilities, and fought for Army Veterans rights, and environmental causes. She was an avid gardener, a wonderful cook, and loved to travel.
Lily lived out the last 12 years of her life between Sacramento and Santa Cruz, Ca with her daughters. She made many wonderful friends in both cities, and will be missed by them all.
She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Whittle, her parents, her 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
She is survived by her daughters Nicki, husband Tom Bagley, her daughter Nita Messersmith Lundin, husband John Lundin, grandson Drew Messersmith, and daughter Christina, husband Norm Cox, granddaughter Courtney Crawford, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a private family internment on Monday, October 4 at Golden Gate National Cemetery, where she will be buried with Military Honors. A Mass will be held at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Rancho Murieta Oct. 9th @ 11:00am, and a celebration of her life will follow. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lily Whittle
Jackie (Fowler) Kenilvort
October 16, 2010
I will always have fond memories of your mom's help in caring for my brother, Bill Fowler. She was a very special lady and a great support to our family. My thoughts are with all of her family.
October 12, 2010
Nita, Nicki and Chris,
Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a wonderful woman and I have great memories of all the times spent together. Health problems made it unable for me to attend her celebration of life but you were fortunate to have her with you for so many years. My love to all of you.
Linda (Curry) Nolt
Paul Jacobs
October 11, 2010
Nicki, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your mother was an amazing woman from reading her memorial. Paul E. Jacobs for the Jacobs Family.
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Mary Citrano
October 5, 2010
Nita, Nicki and Chris, You were so fortunate to have such a strong, loving Italian mother! She raised three outstanding, lovely daughters. I will always remember her with fondness. I STILL have one of the crocheted plastic bags she made for me! The many years you shared with her were a special gift! Wish I could be there to give you a big hug. Love, Mary Citrano
Loree Doan
October 5, 2010
Nita and family, what an amazing woman that was cherished and loved by so many, especially her daughters. My love and prayers are with you, Loree
October 4, 2010
It was such a pleasure to have known Lily. She had a great "spirit" and told some wonderful stories about her life. She will be missed by all who knew her. Betty Keatinge
Glendy Sue
October 4, 2010
I was so sad to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories of Lily and how she would be sitting out on the bench at La Pasoda, soaking up the sunshine. She always had such a plesant smile and greeted me with a warm hello....."She will be missed".
Pam Gandolfi
October 4, 2010
Nita, Nikki and families,
It was a honor to know and meet your mom. She was a wonderful woman with many wonderful qualities. She always had a hello and smile when we would walk by her sitting in the sun. She will be missed. You both are wonderful daughters and you did you best to care for her. May God grant His peace, comfort during this time of loss.
Pam and staff at Helping Hands
Carole Connolly
October 4, 2010
We share many memories over the years. Lily was there for my children's athletic events along with Nita's son. I will always cherish the time my Mom, Micki, and I sat on the bench along with Lily and Nita watching my daughter, Chelsea, for hours while she competed in Horse Vaulting in Soquel. Loyal fans we were, us mothers and daughters. And shall remain so as we watch the Angels ascend one by one. Peace be with you.
Kathy Moler
October 4, 2010
Dear Family,
What a wonderful tribute to your Mom. Lily was a great lady and will be missed.
Love,
Robert, Kathy, Sean, Kira, Lisa & Alex
Robin Curley
October 3, 2010
I remember your Mom from the early 1970's and her energy around the Santa Venetia parks and recreation activites in Gallinas Village. Although my son didn't go, she also provide early childhood education to many neighborhood children. Lily was a force that contributed to the quality of life in Santa Venetia and endures today. A life lived fully. My sympathy to you all, Robin Curley
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