Lilian Frieda Geyer

Lilian Geyer, 99, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Remembered for her steady resolve and enduring grace, Lilian brought a positive spirit and love of life to every chapter of her journey. Through nearly a century of extraordinary change, she crossed continents and built an impactful life filled with family and friends.

Lilian was born on July 1, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Bernhard Gottfried Bolte and Adelheid Christiane Johanna Hoegermeyer, newly arrived German immigrants. Lilian was 3 years old when the family returned to Bremen, Germany, where she spent the rest of her childhood, including the years of World War II.

Having dual citizenship, Lilian returned to the US in 1946, to live with relatives in Irvington, New Jersey. She first worked as a housekeeper and governess while learning English. Later, she served in a range of roles: school bus driver, bookkeeper, office manager, special education assistant, accounting support staff, and National Park Service volunteer, reflecting her adaptability, and unwavering work ethic.

Lilian married Hans Paul Geyer in 1953. Together they nurtured a loving home and welcomed two children, Dorothy and Ronald. Her love languages were baking, needle work. In 1968 she received a Pillsbury Bake-Off prize for her Peach cake, which is still a standard at family picnics.

Lilian was preceded in death by Hans, her husband of 61 years; her parents; her brother, Werner; and her sister, Waltraud.

She leaves behind her daughter, Dorothy; her son, Ronald (Andrea); her grandsons, Ronald Jr. (Liz) and Wesley (Honor); and her great-grandchildren, Bear, Leo, Indy, and Lucia. Lilian leaves behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and quiet strength—one that lives on in her family and in all who were touched by her presence.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Sentara Hospital, WindsorMeade and the Hospice House of Williamsburg for the care, love, and compassion they have shown Lilian and her family during these last few months.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m. at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA. Remote access is also available at this link: https://www.mywpc.org/streaming.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to FISH, Inc, 312 Second St., Williamsburg, VA, 23185; or Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188.