Lillian Y. Edmondson

Lillian Y. Edmondson, age 95, of La Mesa, California passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Born Lillian Florence Young on June 20, 1926 in Melrose, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of 5 children. She met and married James, the love of her life, on February 12, 1945. After the end of World War II, James and Lillian lived in South America (the country known as British Guyana at that time), followed by Raleigh North Carolina and then San Francisco before settling in San Diego.

Lillian and James had two daughters, Jan and Ellen who Lillian raised following the untimely death of James. She also went on to graduate from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master’s Degree in Library Science. She was a stalwart supporter of Aztec Athletics and loved watching them win.

Lillian had a career as a children’s librarian working for various elementary schools in the La Mesa Spring Valley School District. She was a renowned storyteller and could bring characters to life with her unique voices, timing and phrasing with her Boston accent. She was also known for dressing up as Tilly the Witch and bringing kids joy at Halloween.

Lillian was also a founding member of the San Diego Padres. She had season tickets since 1975 and went to every opening day game from 1975 until 2019. In 2016 Lillian even threw out the first pitch at a game for her 90th birthday.

She loved to travel and went on many adventures with her dearest friend, Ann Spraker. She was an active parishioner in St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Lillian’s great faith was part of her strength and foundation. She loved singing in the choir and appreciated all the blessings in her life.

Above all else, Lillian loved her family, and she took great joy in watching it grow. She is survived by her two daughters Jan Weiler (Cary) and Ellen Edmondson; 5 grandchildren (Erin, Kelly, Jamie, Tara, and James); and 11 great-grandchildren (Hailee, Hunter, Harley, Lillian, Josette, Gatlan, Tinley, Ava, Pierce, Korali, and Renner).

Lillian will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.