Lillian Wilker

Lillian Wilker, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her loving family, passed away after a long and full life. She took great pride in reaching that milestone and cherished the joy it brought her in the weeks that followed.

Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Lillian was the youngest of three daughters of Jacob and Goldie White. Though the family had few material possessions, their home overflowed with love, pride, and deep devotion to one another. These values shaped Lillian profoundly, and she carried them forward to her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren.

Lillian married the love of her life, Lester Wilker, and together they built a home filled with warmth and tradition. Their children’s early years were marked by frequent family gatherings with summer days at Revere Beach, rain or shine, and weekend visits throughout the rest of the year.

She was known for her love of shopping and her talent for finding bargains at Filene’s Basement, her interest in celebrity news, her appreciation of fashion and dancing, and the special dishes she prepared for holidays and everyday meals. Never shy about offering fashion advice, she shared her opinions with candor and affection. A gifted baker, she was especially known for her kugel, mock kishke, stuffed cabbage, whoopie pies, and cookies.

Lillian valued her independence throughout her life and led by example as she aged with grace. Her family honors her memory by embracing life’s simple pleasures, listening for the music woven into everyday moments, giving thanks for family, and savoring a piece of lokshen kugel in her honor.

Lillian is survived by her children, Richard Wilker (Phyllis), Eric Wilker (Sharonah Soumekh), and Joyce Wilker; her grandchildren, Elissa Wilker (Randall Newmark), Susan Wilker (Peter Forshay), Olivia Wilker, Isabel Wilker, Carly Schwartz, and Keith Schwartz; and her great‑grandchildren, Ora Newmark and Ziv Newmark.

Funeral services were held at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the burial at the Independent Pride of Boston Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury. Shiva will be held Thursday from 7–9 p.m. with minyan at 7:30 p.m.; Friday from 1–3 p.m.; Saturday from 7–9 p.m.; and Sunday from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m., with minyan at 7:30 p.m.