Lillian F. (Worob) Fusco of Edgartown died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving husband and daughter and beloved caregiver, Emelia, on March 8 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 74.
She was born in the West End of Boston on Sept. 18, 1943 to Sophie and Lawrence Worob. She attended Girl’s High School in Boston. A few years after graduating high school, Lillian met Raphael (Ray) Fusco at Moseley’s on the Charles (River) dance centre in 1963, where the dance of their life began. They were engaged just a few months later and married in October 1965.
Lillian and Ray had two children, Christine and Stephen. Lillian was a meticulous homemaker and a mother. She loved keeping up with her children’s activities and interests, keeping beautiful journals of her family’s life activities, including birthdays and vacations, which are giving them great joy now.
Once Lillian’s children were through school she started work at the Tip O’Neill Building in Boston as an administrative assistant at the National Labor Relations Board for 15 years. She graduated in 1995 from the National Education Center with a medical assistant certificate, thinking she would like to work in the medical field. In the end she loved her job at the National Labor Relations Board and remained there until she moved to Martha’s Vineyard permanently.
Lillian and Ray vacationed on the Vineyard with their children for many summers and grew to love the Vineyard and planned to call Martha’s Vineyard, home in retirement. Once their children were grown, they purchased a home on Jernegan avenue in Edgartown. Lillian moved full-time to their new home in 2000. Once settled on the Island she returned to the workforce at Martha’s Vineyard Insurance Company as an administrative assistant in Vineyard Haven until her retirement in 2007.
She loved being a traditional wife and mother. She created a beautiful home and lovely meals for her family. She was an avid reader. She enjoyed sewing, shopping, visiting local restaurants and decorating her home.
Lillian leaves behind her loving husband of 53 years, Ray; her daughter Christine and son Stephen, both of Malden; her brother Richard Worob of Nashua, N.H.; and several nephews and a niece.
Her funeral mass was celebrated on Monday, March 12 at St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven with interment in the New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown.
Her family is eternally grateful for the help of Hope Hospice and Horizons Geriatric Care Management who provided support and guidance in Lillian’s last years. She adored her caregiver, Emelia from Sostek Home Care, who was by her side for the last 18 months, seeing to her every need and comfort. Her family is also grateful for the kindness of Gary Williams, who provided amazing support to Lillian and Ray as their neighbor since the day they moved to Edgartown. Lillian was a lovely lady and will be greatly missed by family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Memorial donations may be made to The Red Stocking Fund of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 600, Edgartown Ma. 02539 or The Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011
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