Margaret F. Lilly

Age 85, passed away peacefully at home very unexpectedly Monday, May 12th, 2003, after celebrating a wonderful Mother?s Day surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was born in Elmira, NY September 6th, 1917, the loving daughter of the late Leo and Esther Dickson Fernan.Surviving are her loving children; Joann Girardi and friend Paul McKlevis; Sharon Andrus; Francine Crowley; and Terry Driscoll, all of Elmira, NY; grandchildren; Lucinda Cheresnowsky; Luann Redder; TJ and Mary Ann Girardi; Jamie and Donna Girardi; Larry Girardi; Lennie and Tina Girardi; Lorin Girardi; Lance Andrus; Becky and Jim Janowski; Karen Andrus; Deb and Rob Kutz; David and Paula Crowley; Tim Crowley; Kelly and Hal Nesheim; Steve and Salome Driscoll;27 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marion Fernan of Elmira, and several nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her first husband, Paul F. Driscoll in 1966; second husband, John Lilly in 1992; brothers, Leo Fernan Jr.; Richard Fernan; Francis Fernan;sister, Marion Taylor; and son-in-law, Lucian T. Girardi. Margaret was the matriarch of the family. She was a truly beautiful person inside and out and loved her family and friends deeply.She never left her home looking less than impeccably dressed.Margaret?s greatest goal was to live life to the fullest; and she was always ready to go.She loved the social life of her memberships in St. Mary?s Church, the Loyal Orders of Eagles Auxiliary, and the Elmira Heights American Legion Post #154 Auxiliary.In the past, Margaret worked for the Remington Rand Co. and retired from Hardinge Brothers. Her home was adorned with her fine collection of Hummels and family photos. Margaret loved to cook and always looked forward to having the family Christmas every year. Stray cats could always coax a free meal or find a warm place to sleep at her home. Margaret always looked for the best in people. No matter the age, she was always a good friend to anyone who had contact with her. Margaret will be truly missed by all. Her kind heart and gentle spirit will never be forgotten.Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904 on Thursday, May 15th, 2003 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mary? s Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira, on Friday, May 16th, 2003 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Michael Trainor as Celebrant. Interment will take place at a later time in St. Peter and Paul?s Cemetery, Elmira. A Candle of Remembrance may be left for the family at www.olthof.com.