Lillian Ferrens

Lillian Elizabeth Ferrens of Lonaconing passed away on June 13, 2022, at UPMC Western Maryland following a short illness.

Born on December 31, 1923, in Lonaconing, Lillian was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Wilkinson.  In addition to her mother, she was also preceded in death by Grandmother Elizabeth Ferrens, her sister, Geraldine “Jerry” Wilkinson, her brother James P. Wilkinson, Jr., her son-in-law John B. “Jack” Gilmore and her beloved daughter Janice L. (Ferrens) Gilmore.

Lillian was a graduate Central High School in Lonaconing, class of 1941.  While at Central, she helped lead the Girls’ Basketball team to Maryland State Championships in both 1940 and 1941. Lillian was a long-time employee of Sacred Heart Hospital, working in the Laundry Department for more than 30 years until her retirement in 1989.

Following her retirement, Lillian continued to enjoy a full and active life.  Living on the Island in Lonaconing, Lillian was an active walker, gardener, reader and Bingo player.  She spent many happy days on her front porch talking with her family, friends and neighbors. In retirement, Lillian was also a very active participant in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All of her family have many happy memories of spending time with “Gran” as Lillian was affectionately known by those who loved her.

Lillian is survived by her two sons, Larry E. Ferrens of Barton and James D. Ferrens of Michigan. Additionally, Lillian is survived by five grandchildren: J. Timothy Gilmore, Baltimore; J. Matthew Gilmore, Cumberland; Sara Mowbray, Cumberland; Janelle Merritt, Fort Ashby; and James G. Ferrens, Michigan. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Allison Carey, Morgantown; Rory Gilmore, Cumberland; Liam Mowbray, Cumberland; Autumn Gilmore, Baltimore; Eion Mowbray, Cumberland; Sydney Gilmore, Baltimore; and Evelien Ferrens, Michigan.

Lillian’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the people who made it possible for Lillian to remain independent over the last several years, particularly Jeannie VanFleet, Cathryn Jeffries and Patti Cuthbertson.

Friends will be received at the Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., 8 E. Main Street, Lonaconing, on Saturday June 18, 2022, from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. A service will be performed at the Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m with Rev. Thomas Morgan officiating. Private inurnment will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow Mills. Those wishing to honor Lillian’s memory may do so by making contributions to the George's Creek Regional Library at 76 Main St, Lonaconing, MD 21539.