M. Lillian Milanese

M. Lillian Milanese, (1924-2024), passed away on Sunday, April 14,2024 at the age of 99. Born in Malden, Mass to Anna Falone and Vincenzo Petris, she then graduated from Malden HS.  Lillian met Raymond, her husband of 67 years on a blind date. They were then married on     December 4, 1943, before he participated in the D-day invasion. They raised 3 boys: Bob, Bill, and Barry. Later, they moved from Malden to South Lebanon, Me, then to Rochester, NH. Lillian taught herself short-hand, which helped her secretarial career, which included working at the office of the Rochester Superintendent of schools. During WWII, she modeled a military outfit for the Women's Army Corp (WAC's), then worked in Boston at Jordan Marsh in the purchasing department. She was the secretary for the family business (Comet Inc) that installed gasoline pumps in the late 1950's. Lillian had an amazing gift as, Dad would say, "of turning a nickel into a dollar", while raising a family of 5. She highly valued education and passed her life-long love of reading to her sons. She is quoted in the children's section of the East Rochester Library: "Learn to read, so you can read to learn." Later in life, she resided at Maple Suites, then Mast Landing prior to going to Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation until she passed away. Lillian is survived by her sister, Linda Willard, and sons Bob and Barry and their wives, nephews, nieces and several grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Ray, and son Bill. There will be a graveside service for immediate family. Followed by a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to the East Rochester Public Library, 935 Portland St, Rochester, NH 03868. Lillian's sons patronized this library when living in South Lebanon, Me. Funeral arrangements have been made by R.M Edgerly & Son Funeral Home