Lillian Mary Calicchio

Lillian Mary (Phelan) Calicchio was born November 21,1934 to Jeremiah and Mary (McGlynn) Phelan in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of 13 children, with nine brothers and three sisters. She adored her family and would rattle off the names of her siblings any chance she could. Anytime anyone asked about her family, she would blurt out with pride… “Joe, Bud, Bill, Bob, Jerry, George, Dot, Marie, Barbara, Paul, Dick and Donald." They all grew up together in Somerville, at 25 Linden Ave.

Lillian later met and married her beloved husband, Alfred A. Calicchio from East Boston. They settled in Burlington, MA where they raised six children. While her husband was away for months at a time serving as a Merchant Marine Sea Captain, Lillian took charge of raising her children.

Growing up, our mother made sure we spent weekends, holidays and summers at our small cottage on Lake Sherburne in Waterboro, Maine. She was the first one up each day singing, “Oh, let the Sunshine in” …and the last to go to bed at night. Everybody loved Auntie Lil, or Mrs. Calicchio. She helped to raise so many nieces, nephews, family members and friends on this magical lake. There were little sail boats, row boats, fishing, swimming, hide and seek in pitch black darkness, board games and cards for all to enjoy! Lillian made sure everyone had fun, but only after chores! She would encourage four or five of us to gather 3-5 lb. rocks and then asked another group of us to paint them red, blue, green and yellow so she could proudly display them around trees and flower beds on the property. She made sure we felt pride in the beauty of the end result, while teaching us about a strong work ethic and how to get things done as a team. She was a master of trickery.

Before breakfast, everyone was up and out gathering gallons of blueberries for Lillian’s first home cooked meal of the day: pancakes! Even when she was feeding ten kids at a time, every meal was made with love. Even hot dogs, beans and brown bread on Saturday nights felt special. At 90 years old, Mom still loved that meal on…you guessed it…Saturdays.

Lillian kept us together and truly gave us some of the greatest childhood memories. Just like her meals, the memories were made with love by Mom… and left for all of us to cherish. We have some of those painted rocks here in Florida and the Phelan’s have been reminiscing about the blueberries for more than 50 years! Tons of smiles, laughs and warm memories. Thanks Mom, Thanks Dad.

Lillian remained a loving wife to our father for 66 years and a fierce lioness, protector of her children and family, even longer. She could keep the toughest in line, and yet, she had the biggest heart of gold and the sweetest smile. A little bit of a devilish grin, once in a while, kept us in check.

Our loving mother passed away on Valentines Day, February 14th, 2025 while at home with her family and pets. Just before she left us, she opened her eyes, smiled twice and went on her way. I am sure she met our dad, and all of our loved ones who passed before her, with open arms.

Our mom was the last of 13 children, and that was her lucky number too. But, as we reflect on so many great memories with her, we all know that we’re the lucky ones. She will be sorely missed by all, but never forgotten.

Lillian was preceded in her death by her late husband, Alfred A. Calicchio, her parents, Jeremiah and Mary (McGlynn) Phelan, and her 12 beloved siblings. Lillian is survived by her six children, daughter MaryAnn and husband Albert Piacentini of Revere (MA), son Alfred and wife Gloria of Burlington (MA), daughter Judith Frazier of Plantation (FLA), son Joseph and wife Lori of Ft. Lauderdale (FLA), son Daniel of Plantation (FLA), and son Lawrence and wife Kristina of Plantation (FLA). Also survived by Lillian are 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other family members. A celebration of life will be held at a later time. Love you mom. Sweet dreams and we will see you later.