Lillian Hardy - Stevens, 77 of Essex, passed away on Thursday January 14, 2016 at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. She was born in Montreal, Canada on April 16, 1938 daughter of the late Wallace and Jane Calder Thomson. She was raised in a loving home by the late Alice and Jack Meikle. Lillian touched the lives of so many and was a loving and caring woman. In 2013 she married Matt, the love of her life and together they enjoyed many adventures traveling to some of her favorite places including Alaska, Hawaii, Panama, a transcontinental trip across Canada and toured the western US, visiting many of our national parks

Lillian’s home was always open and served as a gathering place and hub for all of the neighborhood children. She raised and reared so many, but the pride and joy of her being was her six children, their children and great grand children. She was always in attendance at all of their activities from band to sports. She was always there to support and encourage them.

You could always find her outside happily playing in a kickball or wiffle ball game with the neighborhood kids. Lillian spent countless hours at South Park running the South End little league baseball program where she served as their president for many years. Their appreciation for her service is evident in the naming of a dugout in her honor.

Lillian had a love for all sports especially baseball and specifically her beloved Yankees! She was a permanent fixture at JP’s Restaurant, where she was queen of table one and an endearing presence.
Lillian is survived by her loving husband of 2 years Matthew Stevens of Essex, her son Kris Hardy of Burlington, four daughters Linda Marrier and husband James Sr. of Grand Isle, Donna Beliveau and husband Leo of South Burlington, Debbie Wark and husband David of Burlington,Mary Patnaude and husband Jason of Charlotte,daughter-in-law Rose Hardy of Essex, sisters Sheila Davies and husband Carl of Montreal, Winnie Kirkpatrick of Canada, her brother Leslie Thomson of Montreal, 15 grandchildren: James Marrier II, Jeremy Marrier, Justin Marrier, Jessica Marrier, Laurence Beliveau, Jennifer Maglaris, Heather Beliveau, Kimberly Hardy, Crystal Hardy, Ryan Hardy, Tyler Wark, Nathan Wark, Sharon Santor, Bradley Patnaude, Michael Patnaude, 9 great grandchildren, Makenna Marrier, Austin Marrier, Mason Marrier, Jaxson Bushey, Cooper Marrier, Dante Beliveau, Colson Maglaris, Kristopher Maglaris, Kenneth Santor IV, Matt’s children Ricky Stevens and wife Diane of Essex, Matthew Stevens Jr. and wife Nan of Matawan, NJ, Kimberly Barnier of Essex, Michael Stevens of Milton, grandson Richard Barnier III “TJ” and wife Katina of Essex and two great grandchildren Karlee Barnier and Richard Barnier, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lillian was also predeceased by her husband Robert Hardy Sr., son Robert Hardy Jr., her three brothers Alex, Harry, Doug, her sisters Dorothy Barrie and Gladys Redman.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday January 17, 2016 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at College Street Congregational Church, Burlington. Funeral Services will be held on Monday January 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at College Street Congregational Church, Burlington with Pastor Joe Moore officiating. Burial will be held in the spring in the family lot in Lakeview Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or the Lund Home, P. O Box 4009, Burlington, VT 05406-4009. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.