Jean C. Lillie

Jean C. Lillie, 101, of Watertown, New York, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Born on December 26, 1923, in Boonville, New York, Jean was the daughter of Leo and Anna Schue O'Brien. She graduated from Boonville High School in 1941 and married Robert S. Lillie of Moravia, New York, on February 4, 1950. The couple lived in Lowville, where Robert worked at the Journal Republic, before relocating to Watertown in 1965, where he continued his career with the Watertown Times.

Jean devoted herself to her family as a homemaker and enjoyed a full life filled with travel, playing bingo, and frequent visits to the casino.

Jeanne is survived by her two sons, Dennis L. Lillie of Watertown, NY, and Steven L. Lillie and his wife, Nancy, of Black River, NY; her daughter, Susan J. Lillie, of Black River, NY; five grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, her parents, two brothers, Daniel and Gervas O’Brien, and two sisters, Mary Tabolt and Margaret Sullivan.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Watertown. Burial will take place on Monday, June 16th at 11 a.m. in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad. Arrangements are under the care of Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.