Lillian Fernandez

Lillian Francis (Tirado) Fernandez passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Bangor, Maine. Born July 20, 1930 in New York City, Lillian touched countless lives with her boundless warmth and unconditional love.

For 62 years she was the beloved wife of the late George Fernandez (d. January 14, 2014). Starting her career as a New York City telephone operator, Lillian later became a dedicated homemaker, teacher's aide and accomplished knit shop owner. Her technical expertise in knitting was matched only by her ability to create a welcoming home for family, friends, and children from throughout the neighborhood alike.

Together with George she built a life filled with love and adventure, from raising their family in Hurley, New York, to establishing their cherished camp and cedar log cabin in coastal Hancock County, Maine, in the 1980s. There they spent treasured summers hosting family and friends, with George's 14-foot boat always ready for the next expedition to visit the seals or check the family lobster traps.

Known affectionately as 'Aunt Lil' to generations of neighborhood children, Lillian's capacity for love extended to her animal companions, from her many beloved dogs to her faithful cat, Bella. Even in her final chapter with Dementia, her memory faded but her warmth and positive spirit remained undiminished. In her final journey she was at home with so many of her friends and the caring staff at Westgate Center.

She is survived by her son, Ivan Fernandez and wife, Mary; grandsons, Isaac Fernandez and wife, Emelia, Devon Fernandez, Corey Thibodeau and wife, Michelle, and Gregory Thibodeau and partner, Kristen Bilodeau; great-granddaughters, Adeline May Fernandez, Isabella Thibodeau, and Lexi Thibodeau; and great-grandson, Dylan Thibodeau.

A life so selflessly lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

There will be a private family remembrance at a later date.

Gifts in Lillian's memory may be sent to the Old Town Animal Orphanage P.O. Box 565, Orono, ME 04473 (www.animalorphanageoldtown.com) or to the charity of one's choice.