Lillian J. Paquette

Lillian J. Paquette, Age 88, of Wakefield, formerly of Somerville, passed away on July 1, 2024 at Massachusetts General Hospital after a gallant battle with heart disease. Born in 1935 in Frankfurt, MI, she was the daughter of William and Lila Pettis. Lillian was a dear Mother, sister, grandmother and a good friend to many.

Lillian is predeceased by her sister, Emma Groff and her brother Chuck Pettis. Lillian leaves behind her older brothers Lester and Lewie and her younger brother Bill.

Until her final days Lillian loved her husband Leo (predeceased) of 66 years, Her children Lorraine, husband Pat, her son Leo R., wife Elizabeth, and her daughter LaChelle, husband Scott. In addition, she leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren that she loved very much. 

Lillian grew up in rural Michigan and as a child had to take care of the family chickens. Her brothers loved to fish, allowing Lillian to become very adept at cleaning the fish for them. Later in life chicken and fish grew to be some of her least favorite foods. 

Lillian moved to Saugus as a high school student and attended Saugus High School, graduating in 1954. She met her wonderful industrious future husband while working at an ice cream shop. She was very impressed with the shiny new car he drove being a very successful salesman. After a whirlwind courtship they were married October 12 1954 at St. Patrick’s Church in Stoneham, Ma.

Lillian Loved to make homemade bread and was very adept at cake decoration. She also volunteered at Lady's Sodality of St. Polycarp's Church in Somerville. Where she frequently made embroidered baptismal robes for infants to be baptized. She had a green thumb and produced an abundance of vegetables and many amazing house plants. Later in life she was also an accomplished painter, with Acrylic being her favorite medium.

Her Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 8th, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Church, 71 Central Street, Stoneham, Ma. followed by a Christian Burial at Lindenwood Cemetery in Stoneham. In Lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the MGH Corrigan Minehan Heart Center.