Lillian Mary Joly

She was born Lillian Mary Sullivan on January 22, 1926, in New Bedford, the daughter of Daniel Joseph and Lillian Isabelle (Lackey) Sullivan. She grew up in New Bedford and graduated from high school there in 1944. She would go on to U-Mass to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science.

On November 27, 1947, Lillian was united in marriage to Gilbert T. Joly in New Bedford, MA.

She was a very stylish woman, who is remembered for her smart outfits and hats. She was classy, kind and generous. She donated much of her time to the St. John's Women's Guild organizing clothing sales. She was also a supporter of the Salvation Army. Lillian enjoyed volunteering at the Church's weekly BINGO. She was the past president of the Women's Guild. She participated in many fundraising events. Being an avid reader herself, she read to the blind on a local radio station and would visit local nursing homes to read to the residents. She most enjoyed being with her family.

Preceding Lillian in death were her parents, her son Thomas Joly, an Infant daughter, and her sister Sheila Sarkes.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 69 years Gilbert, of their home in Pocasset. Daughters Sharon Stone of Scituate, Elizabeth Dean of Bourne. Her son David M. Joly, and his wife Marguerite of Hubbardston. Five grandchildren Elizabeth DeMelo and her husband Scott, James Dean and his wife Lindsay, Genevieve Joly, Gabrielle Joly, and David Joly. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren Elise Dean, Thomas Dean, Abigail Dean, and Owen DeMelo, siblings Carole Farley, Fahy Fontaine, and Daniel Sullivan.

Friends can share respects with the family at a visitation on Sunday April 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, MA 02532.

A funeral mass will be said on Monday, April 27, at 11:00 AM, at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Pocasset. Burial will follow in the Pocasset Cemetery.

The family suggest memorials be made in Lillian’s name to the Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

Friends may share respects, and sign the register book online at www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com