Edith G. Lallier

Edith Genevieve (O'Connor) Lallier lived to age 80. She is survived by her six children: Raymond, Mitchell, Jayne, Thomas, Richard, and James and by her sister Jane, her 15 grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and in-laws. Preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband and her brothers. Her warm smile will be missed by all. Edith was a humble but proud woman. . Born on July 28, 1930, in Queens, New York. While working on the Ed Sullivan Show, she met and married Raymond Lallier from St. Paul, Minnesota and moved to Minnesota for the remainder of her life. She came to love both St. Paul and Minnesota. She became a single parent in 1960 raising her children and insisting they all attend college. She set the example by returning to college in 1966 to complete her degree in Sociology. She helped organize Solo Parents and actively worked in politics championing the rights of the poor. In 1972, she ran for the St. Paul City Council. She became executive director of the Ramsey County federal anti-poverty program and continued to work in the field until illness forced her retirement in the 1980s. Edith was always a bright and vibrant light who passed on her optimistic approach to life to her children and her friends. She was a modern feminist before feminism had been invented. She always believed the only obstacles to success were those you placed in your own path. While not always faced with the best circumstances – severe childhood illness, single parenthood at age 30, poverty -- she found her path to success with or without the help of others. She was always the first to help others and used her life’s experiences to assist others on their paths. Her children thank her for her example and only hope to live up to her expectations. Funeral service 11 AM Friday, 1/28/11, at PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1725 Kennard at Larpenteur, Maplewood. Visitation 4-8 PM Thursday at WULFF FUNERAL HOME, 1485 White Bear Ave., St. Paul & 1 hour prior to service at church. Interment St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Hugo. Memorials preferred to the charity of giver’s choice.

651-776-1555

www.wulfffuneralhome.com