Lillian L. Bush of Edgartown died on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She was 85.
Lillian was the daughter of Leo and Lilliane (St. George) Chretien, born on September 26, 1925 in Lowell. She has three siblings, Lotsie Sicard, and Paul and Joseph Chretien.
She was widowed from her three husbands, Hyel Chambers, Martin J. Kelly, and John Bush. She had three sons, Ronald Chambers, Patrick Kelly, and Martin Kelly.
During World War II, Lillian made parachutes for the troops and at times would place notes that read “if this parachute does not open please return it.” She worked at various hotels in the laundry room.
She had lived in Alabama, Miss., and Lowell before returning to Martha’s Vineyard, where she lived with her son, Ronald, after an accident. She then spent five years living in Woodside Village and at Windemere Nursing Home for nine months before living with her son, Martin, for three months before her death.
Lillian was a past-president of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary and a member of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary and the Pocahontas Club. She enjoyed thrift shopping, collecting beanie babies, and bingo.
She is survived by her sons Ronald, Patrick, and Martin — all of Edgartown; her sister, Lotsie, and brothers Paul and Joseph, and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for the burial of her cremains will be held in the New Westside Cemetery, Edgartown on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 2 pm officiated by Rev. Michael Nagle. Donations may be made in her memory to the VFW Post 9261, PO Box 1437, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs. Please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.