Lillian Mary Lassaline (née LaVerge), age 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 6, 2024, in St. Clair Shores, MI. Born on December 2, 1929, in Detroit, MI to loving parents Maurice and Eugenie LaVerge. Lillian devoted her life to her family, embodying the role of a loving wife, mother and friend. Her gentle spirit and compassionate heart were a blessing to all who knew her. We hold close the memory of her kindness and the legacy of her faith.
Beloved wife of 63 years to the late Clarence "Joe" Lassaline. Loving mother to Lenore McDonald, Sharon (John) Walsh, Lianne (Blake) Hanrahan, Ann Marie (Jeff) Golembiewski, JoAnne (Paul) McCormick, and Carole (Lenny) DeMara. Cherished grandmother of Meghan (Scott) DeFisher, Brian Walsh, Robert (Kat) Hanrahan, Blair (Joe) Fisher, Steven (Ali) Hanrahan, Dana Hanrahan, Alex (Annie) Golembiewski, Chad (Katelyn) Golembiewski, Gabrielle DeMara, Gavin DeMara, and Josh (Kristen) Gambrel. Great-grandmother to Brigid, Fiona, Liam, Lacey, Savannah, Edison, Grant, Charlie, Travis, Todd, Charlie, Arabella and Ryker. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, and in-laws Christopher Lassaline and Ralph Lassaline (Eileen). Lillian was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses Bernice (Charles) DeFraeye, Irene Ray, Lydie "Lee" (Fred) Schaible, and Jacque (Barb) LaVerge.
A proud alumna of Dominican High School, Lillian's spirit for her alma mater was evident in her joyful singing of the school anthem at the mention of the word “Dominican”. She also enjoyed reminiscing of her days attending Charm School with her sister Lee, and her close friend Rhea. Unfortunately, their time in Charm School was cut short when they were asked not to return as the three of them together could not control their laughter. Lillian still provided guidance with a humorous recommendation to attend Charm School for those she felt needed a nudge in the right direction.
Lillian and Joe enjoyed family gatherings, traveling to Canada to visit relatives, vacationing in Florida, boating, fishing, and attending events at the VFW Bruce Post. She was a stay-at-home mother to six daughters who considered her the loving “Mother of all mothers”, which she loved to hear. Throughout the years, she supported her daughters in all of their endeavors. In 1988, she traveled to Belgium with her daughter Lenore, sister Lee, and her niece Mary to visit her parent’s birthplace. They had the pleasure of meeting many relatives and their families for the first time. A few years later, some of these relatives and their children came to Michigan to meet their American and Canadian relatives. Through the years Lillian continued to keep in touch with her Belgian relatives.
Lillian was a member of St. Gertrude/Our Lady of Hope Parish. She attended mass every Sunday morning, meeting up with her friends in the “back pew”. After mass ended, the ‘back pew” friends would go out to breakfast for friendly conversation and laughter. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, tending to her rose garden, and outings with her friends to concerts, plays, and restaurants.
Lillian’s greatest joy was undoubtedly the time spent with her family, from her daughters to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her beautiful smile, quick wit, sense of humor, and presence will be dearly missed.
The family of Lillian Lassaline would like to thank everyone who called or stopped by to visit while she was at home in hospice care. Your calls and visits were most welcomed and brightened her days. We would also like to thank Al Keller for the help and support he provided our family. Whether it was filling in as a caretaker when needed, being our fix-it guy when something needed fixing, or just sitting with her holding her hand and talking with her. He treated her like a second mother. In addition, we would like to thank the staff from Assured Hospice Care for the wonderful care and emotional support they provided our family.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, instate 9:30 am, until time of the Mass at 10:00 am, at Our Lady of Hope Parish 28301 Little Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Lillian are suggested to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliot St., Detroit, Michigan 48207.
Lillian will be laid to rest at a later date with her husband at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442.
