Mary Lillian Gorey

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of deep faith, she lived a life rooted in family and service.

Born on November 2, 1934, to Henry and Eloise Valerga, Lillian was a proud New Yorker who grew up on the Lower East Side before moving to Astoria, Queens. She attended Julia Richman High School and later married Robert F.S. Gorey in 1960. As a U.S. Army spouse, Lillian supported her husband’s long military career with grace and steadiness. Some of her most treasured years were spent in Northern Italy, where she raised her young family and embraced Italian life and culture.

After military life, Lillian and Bob settled in Richmond, Virginia. There, she found a spiritual home in St. Edward Catholic Church, where she was a longtime parishioner and quiet volunteer. Her faith was central to her life, and she carried it with humility and devotion.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband, Robert. She is survived by her brother, Robert Valerga, and his wife Dorothy; her children, Robert Gorey, Christopher Gorey, and Janice Gorey; and her grandchildren, Grace, Evelyn, Robbie, Owen, and Sam.

A memorial service will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Drive, on May 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Gifts in Lillian’s memory may be made to the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia.