Lillian G. Earley

ATHOL - Lillian G. (Gerry) Earley, 90, of 229 Intervale Avenue, Athol, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Leo LaChance Nursing Home in Gardner surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Fitchburg on November 21, 1918, the daughter of the late Daniel O. and the late Minnie G. (Bennett) Gerry. Lillian had been a resident of Athol for sixty-five years. She graduated from Beverly High School with the class of 1936. She was a life member of the Athol Historical Society and the Friends of the Athol Library. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star's Themis Chapter #30 in Athol and the Mt. Toby Chapter #174 of Turners Falls. While attending the Themis Chapter in Athol she acted as Worthy Matron for two years. She was also a member of the Banner Rebekah Lodge #89 I.O.O.F in Athol, the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and the A.A.R.P, a past member of the Athol Housing Authority and the St. John's Episcopal Women's Guild, and a former Board Member of the Head Start Program. Lillian leaves her daughter, Jacqueline C. MacDonald and her husband John of Orange; her son, Charles W. Jirkovsky and his wife Sue of Ashland, New Hampshire; her sister, Beverly (Gerry) LeVanway Chase of Athol; six grandchildren, Sean MacDonald and Scott MacDonald both of Orange, Cathe Anne Dirky and her husband Sam of California, Kellie Guyotte and her husband Tony, John Jirkovsky, Brian Jirkovsky and his wife Amy, all of New Hampshire; eight great-grandchildren, Omar, Shahnaz, and Shadi Dirky of California; Jennifer Jirkovsky, Kayla Guyotte, Steven Guyotte, Cheyanne Jirkovsky, Anna Liley Jirkovsky, all of New Hampshire; two great-great-grandchildren, Meagan and Brandon both of NH. She was predeceased by her husband, John W. Earley, who died on May 30, 1977, and by her brother, Daniel L. Gerry. Lillian greatest joys in life were found in spending time with her family. She enjoyed visiting her son Charlie and his family in NH each summer to attend the 4th of July parade, band concert, fireworks, and family picnics. She was an avid fan of the Frontier Regional School Girls Volleyball Team coached by her grandson Sean. She enjoyed attending the band concerts of the Orange Community Band and the Petersham Brass Band where her grandson Scott played drums, and she enjoyed spending time with her daughter Jacquie on their cruise together to Bermuda. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main St., Athol. Burial will follow in South Cemetery, Orange. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 7 - 9 p.m., and on Wednesday morning from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Lillian's memory to a charity of one's choice, or to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, the Salvation Army, 107 Ridge Ave., Athol, MA 01331, the Athol Historical Society, P.O. Box 21, Athol, MA 01331, or Frontier Regional School Girls Volleyball Team, 113N. Main St, So. Deerfield, MA 01373. $(document).ready(function(){ });