Lillian Mary (Crawley) D'Onfro

Lillian Mary (Crawley) D’Onfro, 91 years young of Leominster, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2022 surrounded by her family after a life well lived and more importantly loved.

Lillian was born on June 5, 1931 to Jessie (Cavanaugh) Mobley but was predominantly raised by her grandmother, Mary Cavanaugh of Leominster.

For most of her life, she volunteered to serve others, often at her church of worship as well as local nursing homes. Everyone knew of her empathy and compassion, always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. She was also known as an incredible cook – most notably for her Italian dishes, award-winning apple pies, Christmas cookies, and famous potato salad. Her hobbies included being an avid reader of romance novels, viewer of any Sylvester Stallone movie, and frequently calling those she loved for weekly check-ins.

Lillian was known for her selfless and unconditional love for her family. If you knew her – you were treated as family. Her infectious laugh would captivate anyone in her presence and her eyes would light up at the sight of her loved-ones. She was incredibly kind and generous, always having a complement ready to bestow. Her most cherished times were with her husband and love of her life Emanuel “Manny” D’Onfro. They often enjoyed trips to Marco Island, time spent visiting their daughters and granddaughters, as well as maintaining an impeccable yard and garden at their house in Leominster.

For the 15 years following Manny’s passing, she lived with her daughter Heidi, whom she affectionately called “My Heidi”, her son-in-law Marc, as well as their daughters Alexandra and Lindsey. In either Leominster or York Maine, she could be found relaxing in her recliner, reading the paper, or socializing in the kitchen anytime someone was cooking. She was completely immersed with her family for every second of every day. 

Lillian eventually went on to live at Leominster Crossings Assisted Living who aided in her care. We are incredibly thankful for the services she received while residing there. While we find peace and comfort knowing she has finally been reunited with her soulmate, words cannot adequately portray the sorrow we feel surrounding her loss. She was incredibly special and we will miss her dearly.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband of 55 years Emanuel “Manny” D’Onfro in 2006 and her sister Rachel (Crawley) Lemoine in 2009. She is survived by her three daughters, Andrea and her husband Salvatore “Dino” Fragale, of Leominster; Dorothy and her husband John Marino, of Leominster, and Heidi and her husband Marc Albert, of Leominster; six grandchildren, Maria Fragale and her fiancé Thomas Carlisle II, Gina Fragale, Alexandra (Albert) Casey and her husband Brian Casey, Lindsey (Albert) Johnson and her husband Eric Johnson, Anna Marino, and Malie Marino; five great-grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Grammy Great”, Charlotte Carlisle, Thomas Carlisle III, Liam Casey, Brian Casey Jr., and Madelyn Johnson.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 14th from 4-7 pm at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 15th at 11 am at the Congregational Church of Christ, 583 Main Street, Leominster followed by a burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster.

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