Lilly Markons

WINDHAM CENTER

Lilly Markons, formerly of Windham Center, CT, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025 in Columbia, SC. She was born on December 18, 1946 in Weiden, Germany to Aleksandrs and Marija Markons who had fled Latvia with their son, Alexander, fearing Russian occupation. In the early 1950s, she and her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Willimantic, CT and Lilly became a naturalized citizen in 1964. Throughout her life, she maintained a passionate pride in her Latvian heritage, and kept in touch with relatives in Latvia.

Lilly attended St. Joseph's Grammar School and graduated from Windham High School in 1965. She was proud to be a majorette, marching in the 1964 NYC Worlds Fair Parade. She continued her education at the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences.

Lilly's first employment was in high school, working at J.J. Newberrys in the pet department. Thus began her lifelong love for animals, among then a ferret, a skunk and many dogs, including two champion Tibetan Terriers. After college she taught school in St. Thomas, VI, returned to Connecticut and continued teaching at the Woodsman School for Boys in Gilman, CT. She was employed as a Manager at the University of Connecticut's Center for Survey Research and Analysis, retiring in 2003. She was active in community services, teaching English as a Second Language and volunteering at the East Lyme Art Association. In 1981 she met Kenneth Craig from Portsmouth NH at the Portsmouth Market Square Day. They were married that fall in Stonington, CT. and settled in Windham Center.

Lilly's major passions were travel and art. She made several trips to Europe visiting art museums. She also returned to Latvia with her mother. She and Ken journeyed to Europe, South America, Canada, and enjoyed numerous adventures in the Caribbean. They also enjoyed time spent at the Craig homestead in Kittery Point, Maine. She lived life to the fullest!

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Craig, son, Raivis Markons-Craig, brother, Alexander Markons of Willimantic, and relatives in Latvia. She was predeceased by her parents and her in- laws, Robert and Marian Craig. She will be interred at the Latvian Memorial Park Cemetery in Tannersville, NY.

Lilly Markons