Lillian Grenier Beaudoin, 100, passed away in the comfort of her home on September 24, 2025, following a brief illness. She was surrounded by love, just as she had been two months earlier during a joyful celebration of her centennial birthday with family and friends.
Lillian was born on July 8, 1925, in Thetford Mines, Québec, to René and Florentine Grenier. At only 10 months old, she relocated with her family to Lowell, Mass. After World War II, she married her wartime pen pal, Wilfred “Willie” Beaudoin. Together they made their home in Burlington, Vt., where they raised four children and shared nearly 63 years of devoted marriage until his passing in 2009.
Lillian embodied unwavering faith, quiet strength and steadfast dedication to her family. In her forties, she earned both her driver’s and pilot’s licenses, the latter pursued to support her husband’s passion for aviation. She was employed for 25 years at Rice Memorial High School, a role that aligned with her children’s academic calendar and enabled her to remain actively engaged in their upbringing.
Lillian played piano and sang with La Famille Beaudoin, a family band dedicated to traditional French Canadian music. The group performed at folk festivals throughout the region and was featured in the Andy Williams Christmas special at Shelburne Museum.
Family gatherings were filled with music, games and storytelling. Lillian had a keen intellect, subtle wit and quiet humor. A master of crossword puzzles and Scrabble for years, she remained a formidable force in online word challenges even as her eyesight declined, often besting her family. She delighted in sharing jokes, with her laughter frequently arriving before the punchline.
Lillian also expressed her love through craftsmanship. She created beautiful quilts, afghans and needlepoints with care. Her crocheted scrubbies and homemade fudge became cherished traditions at the annual Christmas Eve gathering in her home.
For 15 winters, Lillian and Willie spent time in Ruskin, Fla., enjoying fresh citrus, evening walks and the enduring friendships they cultivated. In Vermont, she remained deeply rooted in her faith as a devout member of Christ the King — St. Anthony Parish, where she maintained her spiritual connection from the time she moved to Burlington in 1946 until her passing.
Lillian is survived by her four children: Pauline Beaudoin (formerly Viens), Diane Nichols (David), Roger Beaudoin (Polly) and Nancy Sakamoto (Nate). She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who affectionately know her as Mémère. She is also survived by her sister, Priscilla Grenier. She is predeceased by her husband, Wilfred Beaudoin; her parents; and her siblings, Rita April, Marcel Grenier, Pauline Bevins and Doris Bechard.
There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on October 11, 2025, 11 a.m., at Christ the King Church, 136 Locust St., Burlington, followed by a reception. Interment will be on October 14, 2025, 11 a.m., at Resurrection Park Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Christ the King — St. Anthony Parish, 305 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.
Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.