Faye Cross Lillie 1956-2012 BENNINGTON Faye Cross Lillie 55, of Bennington passed away Tuesday March 13, 2012, after a brave and lengthy battle with cancer. She was born June 6, 1956 in Bennington, to John M. (Jack) and the late Millicent Vaughn Cross. Faye grew up in Shaftsbury and graduated from Mt. Anthony Union High School in 1974 and from Castleton Sate College in 1978. Faye worked nearly her entire professional career as a nurse at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington and made many friends among the patients, families and staff with her ready sense of humor and quick smile. Faye loved spending time with her family and friends, her door was always open. She enjoyed golf, cooking, going to the beach , she loved the Beach Boys, any reason to celebrate, and Christmas-the most exciting day of the year. She is survived by her devoted companion, Doug Davison, her beloved children, Elizabeth Stallings and her husband John of Virginia, Bradley of Bennington and Brooke of Shaftsbury, as well as her cherished grandchildren Jonathan, Wyatt and Grace. She is also survived by her loving father Jack of Bennington, her three sisters, Gail Bouton and her husband Paul of Massachusetts, Susan Bishop and her husband Scott of Pennsylvania and Linda Andrew of Bennington. Faye also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends, including Michele Burgess, Cathy Leonard, Leonard Mook and all her friends from Suite 201. A Celebration of Faye's life will be held on Friday, March 16 at 12:30 at the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home with Kenneth Coonradt officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11am until 12:30 when the family will be present. In honor of Faye's longtime professional career at the Veterans Home, a fund has been established to erect a bench and plant a lilac tree on the grounds in her memory, gifts may be sent to the Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home, 213 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. To send the family email condolences, please visit
www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
Published in Bennington Banner on March 14, 2012
Cathy Leonard (Mook)
Dearest Faye,
Despite your diminutive statue, you were enormous in courage and strength, never letting this terrible demon get the best of you. I'm sure privately you had your moments, but you put your brave face on for your children, family, and friends and tackled this each day with such admirable tenacity. You always put others first, not wanting to be a worry to them. Forever the nurturer! The Mother! The adviser! Always being the designated driver during our high school outings, Yum~Boones farm Apple! All the other fond high school memories, Karen Lawton's parties, Field hockey practices, sleep overs, pool parties! Then in later years, being in my wedding, and your encouragement, support, and advise with my son was so helpful. You were larger then life as a friend, and I'll miss you terribly. I'll keep your warm smile forever in my heart, your joy in my spirit, and your strong will in my mind, reminding me each day to live life to the fullest! Love you Neggie!