Lillian Mallory's Obituary
Ms. Lillian lived 93 wonderful years…….
She was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on November 26, 1922, to the union of Mary & Joaquim Roderigues, Sr., who both preceded her in death. The eldest of two children, her brother, Joaquim Jr., preceded her in death. Lillian grew up in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High in June 1941.
After graduation, she set her sights on bigger and better opportunities and she moved to New York. While in the “Big Apple”, she graduated from cosmetology college and worked for some years as a cosmetologist. Several years later she started working as a cashier at Macy’s in Harold Square. Little did she know that would lead to marriage. She met and married Henry Mallory (who preceded her in death).
Through that union came three daughters: Jacqueline Marie Mallory, Jeanie Gilbert, and Patrice Mallory-McCarley. She always wanted sons….. She became godmother to Gilbert “Butch” Knight in 1951, and when Patrice married Vincent McCarley in 1991 he then became the other son that she never had.
Henry & Lillian moved to California in 1955 and settled in Oakland. Lillian spent several years raising her family. She then began her career with the City Of Oakland, working part-time at several neighborhood branch libraries, and finally becoming a full-time employee at the Main Library on Oak St., where she retired in November 1987.
Lillian’s hobbies and interests included traveling, reading, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She most enjoyed making sweaters and caps for newborns of family and friends. She also enjoyed, and watched “The Young and Restless” every day…. If you happened to call her about 11:00am on any given day she would quickly remind you that her “Story” was on and you should call her back after 12:00.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Jacqueline, Jeanie, and Patrice; her sons, Gilbert Knight and Vincent McCarley; her grandchildren, Reynaldo R. Gilbert, Jr. (Mia), Brandon E. Gilbert (Jenny), Aaron N. Garrett (Corinne), Amberlyn N. Garrett, Kiah N. McCarley, and Mallory M. McCarley; her great-grandchildren, Kayton Garrett, Kailee Garrett, Justin Gilbert, Gianna Gilbert, and Jayson Gilbert; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.
Repass immediately following at Defremery Recreation Center Social Hall, 1651 Adeline Street, Oakland, Ca., 94607.
The family of Lillian Mallory would like to express their sincere gratitude for your acts of kindness and consideration during their bereavement. Thank you for all your prayers, phone calls, visits, food, flowers, and other expressions of love.
The family would like to request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either Kaiser Hospice of the Bay Area or the American Cancer Society, in Lillian’s name.
Private Interment on Monday, February 29, 2016, at Rolling Hills Memorial Park, Richmond, CA.
What’s your fondest memory of Lillian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lillian?
Share a story where Lillian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lillian you’ll never forget.
How did Lillian make you smile?