Lillian Kuselias Kassir

The eldest of six children, she was born on December 10, 1929, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Mary and Elias Kuselias. She was a second mother to her siblings, cleaning, cooking, and even making their clothes. This proved helpful to her as she became an exquisite seamstress, making her own wedding dress as well as those for all of her bridesmaids.

Active in the Syrian/Greek Orthodox Church, her local Episcopal Church, the American Arabic Club, and the Rockville Bowling League, Lillian had no shortage of friends and took pride in her Middle Eastern heritage. The terms "homemaker" and "stay-at-home mom" do not do justice to her life's work of caring for others and, most of all, her family. She was the quintessential wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and hostess, always opening her heart and home, with her wonderful Arabic cooking. Everyone looked forward to her annual Christmas party, where guests left with full bellies and smiles on their faces. Lillian took tremendous pride in her family and showed her love through her cooking. She was an avid reader and enjoyed exercising, especially later in life as she and her husband religiously went to "the club" 3 times a week. In her spare time, she took care of her twin grandchildren while their parents worked.

Lillian is survived by her husband of nearly 74 years, Matti Kassir; her five children, Diana Lynn Kassir, Matthew Mark Kassir (Olga), Joanne Kassir O'Donnell (Dan), John Edward Kassir (Vanessa), and Timothy Luke Kassir (Cary); her eight grandchildren, Samantha Trail (Michael), Emily Kassir, Alex Johnson (Chris), Danny O'Donnell, Michael O'Donnell (Janie), Charles Kassir (Lauren), Natalie Kassir, and Curtis Kassir; and her four great-granddaughters, Lana Trail, Bridget Trail, Kira Lillian Johnson (her namesake), and Avery Johnson. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Kuselias (Ruth); her sister, Joan Ajmo (Louis); and a small army of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lillian was predeceased by her siblings Gloria Cummings (Howard), A. May Roach (Jim), and Louis Kuselias. She is loved beyond measure and will be remembered for her cheerful demeanor, her gentle strength, and her unwavering dedication to her family.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM with a Trisagion service at 7:00PM on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road), Timonium, Maryland 21093.

A funeral service and interment will be held at 10 AM on Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, 909 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Lillian's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 300, Towson, Maryland 21204 or act.alz.org.