Lilian Mary Hersey went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. Lilian led a remarkable life. She was born in London, England, entered the work force at 14, and was drafted into the British Land Army at 18. She saw the Hindenburg fly over London, lived through the bombing of London, and was strafed while working a team of horses in Dartmouth, Devon.

She married Ben Hersey, who was in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Dartmouth, in 1944. They were married for 72 years. In 1945, Ben was transferred to the Pacific Theater, leaving Lilian and their new son with her parents in London. In 1946, she came to America on the Queen Mary to be reunited with Ben. While they lived in New City, NY, she was active in Grace Baptist Church in Nanuet, NY, where she ran the kitchen for senior luncheons and helped lead the Pioneer Girls. She retired from being a cook in the Clarkstown School District, moving to Barrington, RI in 1999 where three of her children lived. She was active in Barrington Baptist Church for many years. Her husband died in 2016 and Lilian chose to continue to live in her own home. She enjoyed using her computer which allowed her to have face time with family and the community. She passed away peacefully four days short of her 99th birthday. 

She leaves five children; Richard Hersey (Rose), Joyce Byrd (Ray), June Bodden (David), Debbie Ekholm (Stephen) and Dawn Falborn (Gerard), 10 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Joyce Watson. We will miss her, but rejoice in a life well lived. A graveside memorial service will be held in the spring. Donations in Lilian’s memory will be gratefully received by chinalittleflower.org or hopehealthco.org (Please include her name on your donation.)