Family Login:

Lillie M. (Speciale) Bliss

Lillie M. (Speciale) Bliss

  • January 26, 2012
  • West Hartford, Connecticut
Share This Obituary

Memories & Candles

“Aunt Lil As your godchild you were an incredible aunt. Will always remember as a child going up to Hartford from Hone avenue to the country (West...Read More » ”
1 of 6 | Posted by: Nicholas and Susan Speciale, Amanda, Emily and Matthew - MD

“Dear Bob and Karen, We only met your mother once and enjoyed a memorable dinner. I know my face hurt from laughing as she so easily entertained us...Read More » ”
2 of 6 | Posted by: Luanne and Jerry - WI

“My cousin Lillie was 13 years old when I was born and as I grew up she was always someone special; She always made me feel special. I adored her and...Read More » ”
3 of 6 | Posted by: Al Restivo - CA - Cousin

“We share in your sadness and understand the loss that you are feeling. Lillie's life was a blessing, her memory a gift of joy, she will be loved...Read More » ”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Marianne and Robert Prattella - FL

“To the Bliss family from the Stadelmyer family ~ Our prayers are with you and with Lillie at this most difficult time. Lillie will be sadly missed. ...Read More » ”
5 of 6 | Posted by: James and Janice Stadelmyer - PA

“"She will see God face to face & God's name will be written on her forehead. It will never be night again and she will not need lamplight or...Read More » ”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Gloria Garofalo-Yates - FL


Lillie M. (Speciale) Bliss, 89, of Worcester, MA formerly of West Hartford, CT, died peacefully Thursday evening, January 26, 2012 at the Jewish Home after an illness.

Lillie was born in New York City, the daughter of Raymond and Anna Maria Speciale. Her husband of 55 years, Robert J. Bliss, died in 2001.

She leaves her son Robert R. and his wife Karen of Worcester, MA; a son Raymond C. and his wife Karen of West Hartford, CT; and a daughter Anne-Marie Bliss of Santa Clara, CA. She also leaves her brother, Nicholas Speciale, and his wife Theresa of Frederick MD, and five grandchildren: Brendan, Heather, Abby, Hanna and Naomi. Lillie was pre-deceased by her sister, Rose Pinto and her nephew John Speciale. She is also survived by her nephews Raymond and Nicholas Speciale, and her niece Annette Pinto.

Lillie had an eye for fashion and was a fastidious housekeeper up to the point where Alzheimer's robbed her trademark attention to detail. It was frequently noted, much to her delight, that she looked considerably younger than her age. She was both protective and supportive of her children and husband, and celebrated their achievements, but she could be candid in her assessments and was never a candidate for the diplomatic corps. She spent the last five years living at the Eisenberg Assisted Living Facility and enjoyed her new life there, especially those occasions that gave her the opportunity to dance. One of her friends in Worcester, Herbert Wright, noted simply that she was "a lot of fun." She passed away listening to Frank Sinatra.

She was a past president of the West Hartford Music and Art Club, where she helped to raise money for scholarships for talented students, was a member of the Women's Guilds of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Helena Catholic churches in West Hartford, and was a member of The Belles, a women's social club in West Hartford.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at the Church of St. Helena, 30 Echo Lane, West Hartford followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday, January 30, 2012, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 131 South Main St., West Hartford, at the corner of Park Road and South Main Street. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.