Obituary of Lillian Evelyn Pepe

Lillian was a proud alumna of Walton High School, furthering her educational journey at William Paterson University where she graduated summa cum laude at the age of fifty. She was an avid reader and found great joy studying history, art history and literature. Lillian also traveled extensively, embracing the culture of many countries-riding elephants in Thailand to climbing the rocky hill in Medjugorje to witness the site of the apparitions of the  Blessed Mother.

She was a woman of great faith, an active parishioner and Eucharistic minister at both Our Lady Queen of Peace in West Milford, NJ  and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oakland, NJ. 

Her radiant spirit was preceded in the passing of her beloved husband, Charles; her  parents, step-mother, and sisters. Her legacy lives on through her children: Russell Pepe and his wife, Gina; Liane Grice and her husband, Kevin; Carol Cummins and her husband, Brian; David Pepe; and Ellen Phalon and her husband, Terence. She was an extraordinary mother who nurtured her children’s dreams, believed in them, and was always ready to offer support and guidance.

Lillian’s unconditional love extended to her twelve treasured grandchildren and her twelve great grandchildren who all adore her. Lillian was their greatest cheerleader and fan, attending sporting events, dance recitals, and plays. She was involved in all their special occasions, accompanying her granddaughters when shopping for prom dresses and wedding gowns and traveling to every graduation and wedding even if it required hours of traveling. One tradition that will always be cherished was when each grandchild turned ten, Lillian treated them to a special outing to celebrate their “double-digit” birthday. 

Lillian’s cheerfulness and ready smile, coupled with her loving nature as a wife, mother, grandmother, GG, sister, aunt, and friend made her a beacon of joy and warmth in countless lives. She brought joy and laughter to many patients throughout her thirty years as a “Best Medicine” cart volunteer in Valley Hospital and offered so much comfort as a hospice volunteer as well. 

Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, we find solace knowing the jubilation that awaits her when she will be welcomed home by God and her loved ones in Heaven. Lillian will forever remain a guiding light in our hearts and her love will continue to shine brightly in our memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Valley Hospice would be greatly appreciated.