Lillian MacGregor Lavech of Colchester, CT, beloved wife of Frank Lavech, passed away on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023. Lillian was born in Utica, New York to James MacGregor Sr. and Idalillian (Decker) MacGregor on February 1,1932. She married her high school sweetheart, Frank, and they remained together for almost 70 years, residing in Colchester, CT, for the last 61 years. After Frank’s passing in 2021 Lillian moved to Colebrook Village in Hebron, CT. Here she made many wonderful new friendships, went on excursions and participated in numerous activities, all of which filled her life with newfound happiness.

     Lillian loved her family above all else. She was the quintessential mother, grandmother and home-maker. She wove her life around her husband, daughters, grand-daughters and home. Most recently she was thrilled with the arrival of two great-grandsons. 

     Lillian enjoyed spending time with her two granddaughters as they grew up. She volunteered at their schools, cheered them on at sporting events, musical concerts and every school and community activity in which they participated. She loved camping with both Frank, and then the grandchildren, as they together traveled all over New England.

      Lillian was an avid reader, loved flower gardening, watching birds and using her various artistic talents. She was a Red Sox and UConn Women’s Basketball fan. She enjoyed playing any type of game, collecting antiques, and spending time observing nature.

     Lillian and Frank’s 1778 colonial farmhouse sparked many new hobbies and lots of hard work. Lillian was skilled at painting, wall-papering, stenciling, and refinishing. She made by hand the items she wanted to use to decorate her home. She designed everything from curtains to braided rugs, oil paintings and dried flower arrangements. You name it, she could make it! Lillian also was a fabulous cook and baker. Her culinary talents included baking in her home’s in-door 18th century bake ovens.

     Lillian loved her church, The Colchester Federated Church, where she worshiped and served many roles on various committees throughout the years. She also loved the town of Colchester and was especially interested in its history. She was active in the Colchester Historical Society for 40 years. Lillian also served her town on the Conservation Commission, volunteered at the Well-Child Clinic and was a Trustee of Bacon Academy.

Lillian is survived by daughters Debra (Garry) McConville of Vernon, CT, Barbara Lavech-Allen (Dale Allen) of Lebanon, CT, granddaughters Dr. Victoria Allen O’Brien (Conor) of Kennett Square, PA, Catherine Allen and significant other Tyler Johnson of Marlborough, NH, and great grandsons Hunter and Graham O’Brien of Kennett Square, PA. Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank Lavech, her sister Helen Glover and brother James MacGregor. Lillian also has many nieces and nephews who are all so very special.

Lillian MacGregor Lavech, “ A wife, a mother, a grandma too, love is the legacy we have from you.”

     There will be a private graveside family service at the Linwood Cemetery in Colchester, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Lillian’s honor to the Colchester Federated Church “Deacons Fund”, 60 Main Street, Colchester, CT 06415.

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