Lillian M. Ferro

Lillian was born on September 4, 1916 in Philadelphia, PA, and was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll and Carrie Stackhouse, her younger brother, Gerald Stackhouse, and her devoted husband of 26 years, George Ferro.

She is survived by her niece, Maria Feldman and her husband Ric, and their children, Christopher and Jonathan of Coral Gables, Florida; her nephew Craig Stackhouse and his wife Leslie, and their children, Brandon, Cameron and Peyton of Houston, Texas; her nephew Christopher Stackhouse and his wife Patti, and their children, Jules and Travis of Northborough, Massachusetts; nephew Jeremy Stackhouse of Bradenton, Florida; and cousins Arlene Christen, Peggy Tinsley, and Wayne Miller of Vineland, N.J., and niece Barbara Miller of Glen Mills, PA.

Lillian was raised in Philadelphia and spent many summers during her childhood with her Grandmom Schultz in West Wildwood, N.J. in the early 1920’s. She was a teenager during the Great Depression, and was a big sister to her little brother Gerry who was born when she was 16 years old.

Lillian’s mother Carrie came from a large family, and there were many aunts and cousins nearby, but she was especially fond of her Aunt Margaret. Lillian lived at home with her parents, working during World War II, and later met and married her beloved George, a veteran and native Philadelphian. Lillian and George loved their poodles Gigi, Pepi, and Little Boy, enjoyed visiting the boardwalk in Atlantic City, and spending holidays with family. Lillian worked in banking for over 40 years, including many years at Trevose Federal Savings on Hunting Park Avenue.

Lillian was very close with her mother, Carrie Stackhouse, taking her into her home with George, after her “Pop” Carroll Stackhouse passed away in 1954, and Lillian continued to look after Carrie for more than 30 years.

Lillian, George, and Carrie were frequent visitors during the 1960’s to Gerry’s home in Framingham, Massachusetts for Thanksgiving and Christmas, bringing gifts and joy to their niece and nephews; Maria, Craig, and Chris. Many summers, they would take the kids for a week or two, taking them to the Zoo, museums, and the beach in Wildwood.

After George passed away in 1976, Lillian continued to work until she retired at the age of 70, and later moved to Sarasota, Florida to be near her brother Gerry, also retired by then. She volunteered at Doctors Hospital with Senior Friends, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 13 years.

Lillian’s true passion was dancing! She was an avid member of the SunCoast Mummers String Band in Sarasota, performing in full costume at numerous venues, including retirement homes and on cruise ships, doing the famous Philadelphia mummers strut as only a “Lilly from Philly” could do!

Lillian moved to Houston, Texas in 2005 for cancer treatment and to be near her nephew Craig and family. She remained very active, and enjoyed attending many sporting events and musical theatre performances at Stratford High School, watching Cameron and Peyton on the field and on stage. Lillian was a favorite among the parents and students of the Playhouse, visiting the Green Room after shows.

The highlight of Lillian’s time in Texas was visiting each year with the Philadelphia Mummers Quaker City String Band at the Galveston Mardi Gras parade. As they paused in front of the Townsend’s house on the parade route, Lillian would join them on the street dancing with the captain and basking in the loving attention she received from the band and the crowd. She was even featured in the Houston Chronicle newspaper at the age of 90, strutting her stuff!

Lillian was blessed in the last six years of her life to be welcomed into the lives of the Hagedorn and Jackson families in Houston as well, and she became very close with her niece, Leslie Stackhouse, whose unconditional love, assistance, and tireless attention to Lillian’s medical treatment and hospice care, helped Lillian to live a high quality of life for several more years, and to have peace and tranquility at the end of her life.

Having just celebrated her 95th birthday in style, please join us as we continue to celebrate the wonderful life of our dear Aunt Lil on Wednesday, September 28th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home 13001 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77079. Lillian will be laid to rest beside her husband George Ferro, at Whitemarsh Memorial Park cemetery in Ambler, Pennsylvania on October 1, 2011 at 10:00 am.