LILLIAN M. RIOPEL (ALLARD)

     Lillian M. (Allard) Riopel, 94, of Worcester, former longtime resident of Leicester passed away peacefully Monday, November 27th 2017 with her family gathered at her side.

Lillian was born and raised in Pittsfield, Mass one of eight children of Frank and Mary (Gariepy) Allard.  At the age of 27, married to her love John Riopel they moved to Leicester and for the next 60 years she lived happily raising her family.

Lillian’s husband, John Riopel passed away in 1991.  She is survived by her three children, Denise A. Kania and her husband Frank of York, South Carolina, John A. Riopel, Jr. and his wife Diane of West Boylston, Linda M. Shea of Auburn; seven grandchildren Lillian cherished,  Jeff, Justin, Jessica, Michael, Lisa, Tamari and Patrick; three great grandsons, Evan, Jackson and Colton; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.   Besides, Lillian’s husband John,  she was predeceased by her son in law, Joseph Shea in 2015,  granddaughter Allison, two brothers, George and Raymond and sisters, Alma, Rita, Florence, Yvonne and Marie, her best friend and pet cat Sam.

Lillian worked as a Home Health aide over 30 years for the Auburn District Nursing Association before retiring.

Lillian was a member of St Aloysius-St Jude Church, the Red Hatters, and a former member of the Leicester mothers club.    She enjoyed quilting, travel, cooking, gardening and her pet cat Sam.  Lillian lived a quiet life who cherished her family and the times she spent with her husband, children and grandchildren.  The pride she felt in life was inspired by the success of her family.  Her most memorable moments were those spent with family during holidays, special occasions and whenever they could all be together.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours, Monday, December 4th from 9:00 am to 10:15 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St Worcester before departing in procession to St Aloysius-St Jude Church, 491 Pleasant St Leicester where her celebration of life funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am.  Burial next to her husband will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to Ovarian Cancer research, care of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA.