Lillian May "Lil" Knowles

Waterford - On Oct. 26, 2023, Lillian May "Lil" Knowles, 89, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Lillian encountered a short, tough battle with cancer; and consequently, a stroke that left her with the inability to speak. Even in the face of this adversity, Lillian was able to communicate through her gestures and expressions, only solidifying her strength and drive for life (traits her family will forever be proud of). But in time, Lillian decided to join her beloved husband of 52 years, John Alton Knowles, who predeceased her Nov. 2, 2021.

Lil was born and raised in Groton. She enjoyed a career at Electric Boat and resided in Waterford, for the last 45 years. She was an immaculate housekeeper who took great pride in her home and loved her neighbors and neighborhood.

The most important thing in her life was her family. She embraced, with love, the role of wife, mother, grandmother and eventually a great-grandmother. Lillian was also a "super fan," regularly in attendance for all her grandchildren's sporting events through the years. Lillian was extremely proud of the lives they have led after college and the adults they have become. Listening to the laughter and seeing the smiles of her great-grandchildren made her feel young again.

In her lifetime, Lillian's wealth was not measured in a monetary value, but by the relationships she sustained. In her younger years, she and John were constantly out with other friends - trying local restaurants, being self-proclaimed food critics and befriending waitstaff wherever they went. More recently, Lillian became an avid pitch player at the local senior center and loved spending time with her girlfriends. However, holidays were her time to shine -consistently throwing the best celebrations filled with laughter, love and of course- libations. Her holiday gatherings and summer pool parties were always something special and will never be forgotten.

Lil was also a devout catholic and a parishioner of St. Paul's Church. She looked forward to attending Mass every Sunday followed by breakfast with her friends. Even though her illness may have made her body weak, her faith always remained strong. Life on earth is brief but Lillian's love will last for an eternity.

"Rest in peace. You had a wonderful and meaningful life that we all aspire to.

Lillian is survived by her children: David Blair (Nancy) of Waterford, Paula Guido (Mark) of Waterford, Michael Blair of New London and Cynthia Knowles of Waterford; grandchildren: Stephanie Guido (Jared) of Waterford, Katelyn Kneeland (Max) of Waterford, Jon Blair of Boston, and Kerry Perrotta of North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Owen, Weston and Harper; sister Grace Perkins (Tom) of Waterford; as well as many nieces and nephews throughout the area. She was predeceased by her siblings: Leon Nash, Mary Burgess, Ken Nash, Gwen Hill, Helen Nielsen and Robert Nash.

Our family would also like to say a special thank you to Krista from Hospice and all the doctors and nurses at Lawrence + Memorial for their kindness and support.

A graveside service will be private and held at a later date.