Lillian E. Erb

Groton - Lillian E. Erb passed away surrounded by family on Dec. 17, 2008, after a very brief battle with cancer.

Lillian was born July 28, 1922, and was a long time Noank resident. Lillian had a long list of accomplishments over her 86 years; she was born in Stonington and survived the 1938 Hurricane in the basement of the Borough School, she moved to Noank at a young age and was the first paper "girl" in the region, she lived through the Great Depression and was the sole provider for her large family.

After graduating from Stonington High School, she married David "Ray" Erb, and they moved to Noank in 1943. Lil and Ray enjoyed bowling at the Mystic Bowling Lanes, and Lil was very proud of her many championship trophies. During World War II while Ray was in the service, Lil worked at Colt Firearms assembling and inspecting machine guns for the war effort.

After returning from the war, Ray went to work at Electric Boat, and Lil pursued a political career and eventually became the first woman Republican Assistant Minority Leader for the State House of Representatives. She ended her political career as Groton Judge of Probate. Throughout her career she also worked for and supported the Child and Family Agency which was very dear to Lil's heart, and she took great pleasure in helping others. One of Lillian's many dreams was to attend college, and finally at the age of 77, she graduated cum laude from Eastern CT State University. At the time, she was the oldest graduate in school history.

Lil loved boating on Fishers Island Sound and spent many days with her family and friends at Watch Hill, Mystic Island, and Fishers Island. Many days and nights were spent at Watch Hill exploring the beaches with her family. During her days as a state representative, she became known as "Lobster Lil" as she kept several lobster pots in the Noank Harbor and would bring lobsters to her co-workers at the Capital. Lil was no stranger to The Race and loved all types of fishing; she especially liked the good fight of a bluefish. Lil started skiing at the age of 50 and spent several years traveling to Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire to ski with her family. Lil and Ray's favorite ski area was King Ridge in Vermont, and they loved to chase each other down the slopes. Lil continued to ski for many years even after having both knees and hips replaced. Over the past ten years, Lil and Ray spent winters in Siesta Key, Fla., and developed many winter friendships in the warm weather. Lil's favorite beach pastime was shelling, and there was always a competition to see who could find the biggest lettered olive.

Lillian was predeceased by her son, Geoffrey; brothers, Arthur and Edward Edgar; and a sister, Eleanor Comforti.

She is survived by her brothers,Thomas and William Edgar and her sister, Ruth Celico. Lillian is also survived by her husband of 67 years, David "Ray"; daughter, Dana Kubachka and husband, Joseph; son, David and wife, Joann, and son, Gregory and wife, Shelley; grandchildren, Jodie and John Kubachka and Amy Veilleux, Ryan and Amanda Erb, Jacob and Jason Erb; and a great-grandchild, Kendall Kubachka.

She was greatly loved and respected by her family and was always available for advice and comfort. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

The family will hold a small private service to honor Lillian's memory. There will be a memorial reception to celebrate Lillian's life from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at the Ram Island Yacht Club in Noank, and the family invites all friends to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Child & Family Agency of SE CT, 255 Hempstead St., New London CT 06320.

Please visit the Mystic Funeral Home's website at www.mysticfuneralhome.com to post remembrances for the family.