HOLYOKE – Lillian R. (Tomasko) Murray-May, a long time resident of Holyoke, died Saturday the 8th of October at the Holyoke Medical Center surrounded by her family. Born in Holyoke, MA on January 17, 1929 to Jacob and Anna Tomasko. She attended local schools, settled in Holyoke and was married to James Murray. Together they had eight children. She was re-married to Robert May in 1980 who past away in 1989. Lillian was very active in the Holy Cross Church, teaching Catechism for many years as well as acting as a Communion Minister. She was devoted to her faith and shared it with her family. She would often send her favorite Salesian Mission poems to her family. Many locals knew her from her many years working at Mel’s Restaurant in Holyoke. Lillian loved to cook and entertain her large family and many friends. She loved celebrating with family and sharing her wonderful cooking and also teaching her children and grandchildren how to cook. Lillian’s favorite past time was gardening. She could also play a mean game of Monopoly and Pitch. She is survived by her son James Murray and his wife Anne of Holyoke, her three daughters Susan and husband Steve Sasseville of Westfield, Patricia and Richard Lehouillier of Belchertown, Mary and Andrew Balo of San Diego, CA and her stepdaughter Sandy Grimshaw of Chicopee. She is predeceased by four of her own children, sons; Daniel, William, Thomas and her daughter Elizabeth. She is predeceased by her brothers Raymond and Edwin Tomasko.
She leaves fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The funeral for Lillian will be held on Thursday October 13th at 9 am from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield at 9 am followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Michaels Cemetery in Springfield. Calling hours will be held Wednesday at the funeral home from 4-7 pm. Donations in memory of Lillian may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 9045, Springfield, MA 01102 or the Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801-5710. Firtionadams.com
