Born in Fall River a daughter of the late John and Lucy (Maddaleno) Mancini she was a lifelong resident of the city.
A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, she earned a degree in nursing from Union Hospital Nursing School, where she was also the first to graduate as a married woman. She worked as a nurse for many years at Union Hospital and for the Visiting Nurses Association before retiring in the 1990’s.
Having worked at Cropper’s Florist in Fall River in high school, she maintained her skill at floral and seasonal arrangements, was an avid gardener and a member of the Fall River Garden Club. Lillian was an accomplished seamstress and member of Holy Rosary Women’s Guild. She loved to cook and entertain, warmly welcoming all into her home for impromptu visits and holiday gatherings. Nothing was dearer to Lillian than her family and friends. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and clamming, and going to the casinos. She was the go-to neighborhood mom, a nurse and caregiver to family and friends, and a tireless volunteer for the disabled.
She is survived by one son, Michael Ainsworth and his wife Donna of Southington, CT; two daughters, Leslie Ainsworth of Tiverton, RI and Beth Ainsworth of Fall River; three grandchildren, Matthew, John and Alison Ainsworth; great-grandchildren, Bradley, Weston and Natalie Ainsworth and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Antoinette Starkie.
****PLEASE SEE CHANGED SERVICE INFORMATION BELOW****
Due to a family illness the funeral services for Lillian will now be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place,178 Winter Street, Fall River, MA, followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 12:00 PM. Contributions in Lillian's memory may be made to Southcoast VNA, 200 Mill Road, Suite 120, Fairhaven, Massachusetts 02719; and Portsmouth High School Music Raymond W. Ainsworth Scholarship, PO Box 21, Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871.Burial will be private.
