She was born April 11, 1937 in Presque Isle, Maine, the daughter of George B. Wakem and Lona (Plummer) Wakem.
Lillian graduated from Skowhegan High School in the class of 1955.
On May 23, 1959, Lillian married William F. Ellis in Skowhegan, Maine. They were married for 46 years until his passing in 2005. Lillian and William's special bond was apparent, Willy just adored her.
Lillian "Lil" began working for the Norwalk Shoe Company while still in high school as an administrative assistant, working her way up to purchasing agent, until the company's closing. She worked for Ameritec Shoe before taking a position as buyer at Redington Fairview General Hospital in March of 1983. She proudly worked until her retirement in June 2015 at age 78.
Lil was known as a very generous, kind and sweet lady whose faith in her Lord and Savior was evident in all she did. She always found the good in everyone she met. She was an active member of the New Horizons Community Church in Skowhegan, and enjoyed time with her church family and church activities. Singing, especially with her sister Norma, was a favorite pastime. Lillian could often be found enjoying her lawn swing and feeding her family of crows, led by "Jim Jim". Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Her most favorite place to be was with her "Christmas Carol" and her "son" Rob.
She leaves her daughter, Carol Shibley and her husband Rob of Madison; her two sisters, Norma Bosworth and her husband Donald of Cornville, Muriel Clark of Dunnellon, FL; two grandchildren, Max Shibley and Noah Shibley both of Madison; many nieces and nephews; and dear friend Diana Demmons of Skowhegan.
She was predeceased by her husband William F. Ellis, mom and dad.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 1:00 at the New Horizons Community Church, 32 East Madison Rd., Skowhegan, Maine
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.
Donations may be made in Lillian's memory to the New Horizons Community Church, PO Box 513, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 or your local Animal Shelter.
