Lillian A. McElroy died peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2022, at home in Patterson, NY. She was 97 years old.
Born on March 13, 1925, in Bronx, NY, Lillian was one of nine children born to Frederick and Lillian (Wurtzburg) Appel. She was a graduate of James Monroe High School in Bronx, NY.
On June 1, 1947, Lillian married the love of her life, Robert F. McElroy, at St. Peter and Paul Church in New York City, NY. Mr. McElroy predeceased her in 1999.
For 25 years of her career, Lillian was an office manager at Caemi International in Stamford, CT, until she retired at age 70.
Before relocating to Patterson about ten years ago, Lillian lived in the Throggs Neck area of the Bronx. She was a true New York City Girl - a Yankees fan who cheered them on since she was a child. She enjoyed White Castle burgers, Nathans hot dogs, and sitting on the stoop, chatting. She was always a hard worker. While raising her family of six she took in at home typing to make extra money, then she’d take the kids to John’s Bargain Store so they could choose an item.
Knitting was Lillian’s passion. She loved going to the flea and craft markets to socialize and sell her handiwork. She made the green berets and scarves that the NYPD and the NYFD wore for marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She also liked to bowl, and camp, was a great mom to her six children, and was a hero to them and to many others. She was a compassionate, loving sister to all her siblings.
Lillian is survived by her children, Patricia A. McElroy of Patterson, NY, Joanne R. Ballerini of Patterson, NY, Robert F. (Laura) McElroy Jr. of Somers, NY, Kenneth M. McElroy (Mary Connelly) of Rivervale, NJ, Teresa (Joseph) Gaudio of Tuckahoe, NY, and Brian McElroy (Donna Mangione) of Tuckahoe, NY; her Grandchildren, Jeffrey Ballerini, Lauren McElroy, Sara McElroy, and Robert McElroy III.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 24, 2022, 10AM at St. Edward the Confessor Church, New Fairfield, CT. Interment will follow at St. Raymond Cemetery, Bronx, NY. Friends may call at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY on Wednesday from 5 to 8pm.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.beecherfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lillian’s memory to the Putnam County SPCA at SPCAPutnam.org or PO box 850, Brewster, NY 10509 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter at Hudson Valley Chapter (alz.org)