Anastasia Franey Lillis 1848-1920

LILLIS, FRANEY, KELLY, HANSON

Posted By: Gary Lillis (email)
Date: 10/17/2010 at 17:48:35

Williamsburg Journal-Tribune
Williamsburg, Iowa
22 Jan 1920
Page 1

Death of Mrs. Lillis

Mrs. Anastasia Lillis died at the home of her son, T. M., on Monday morning, January 17th, 1920, after an illness that extended over a week. Bronchia-pneumonia, with complications, was the form in which the last summons came.
The funeral services were held Wednesday morning in St. Mary's church and were conducted by Father Guinan, of Parnell, in the absence of Father Glenn, the regular pastor. A large congregation was present at the services, and the good qualities of the kind old friend and neighbor were on every tongue.
The interment was in St. Mary's cemetery beside the body of the husband who died several years ago, and the pall bearers were: Jas. Brannon, Jerome McCarty, S. R. Blythe, Humphrey Thomas, J. D. Morrin, and R. L. Hughes.
Anastasia Franey was born in the historic town of new Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, seventy-two years ago. She came of splendid stock and grew to womanhood in her native land. In 1866 she came to this country, and the home was made in New York City, later joining the tide of western home-seekers, coming to Davenport, Iowa. Here, in 1875, she was united in marriage to Mr. John Lillis, of Iowa County, and the home was established in Hilton township. In this vicinity she spent the past 45 years, and her imperishable monument is found in the hearts and affections of those with whom she came in contact during all these years. Twelve years ago she, together with her husband, retired from active life, and the home was made in Williamsburg. Several years ago the husband was called to his reward, and the good woman continued to live alone, varying the monotony by frequent visits with her sons and daughters, whose filial devotion was proverbial. Mrs. Lillis was an exceptionally fine character, a sincere, plain, honest, God-fearing woman whose daily life reflected the deeply religious nature she was known to possess. For her home and family she regarded sacrifice as a pleasure, and for friend and neighbor she never failed in complying with the Christian obligation.
Mrs. Lillis was the mother of seven children; three of these died in infancy or childhood; the remaining left to mourn the death of their good mother are: Thomas M., James P., of Williamsburg, Mrs. John Kelly, English township, and Mrs. Albert Hanson, York township.
The sincere sympathies of the community are extended to the bereaved relatives.