Doris C. (O'Connor) Lillard

Doris (O’Connor) Lillard passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on November 4, 1934 in Oxford, Pennsylvania, to Brian O'Connor and Helen Storey O'Connor, she lived most of her life in Delaware. Doris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and church community member. She shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, the late Thomas Joseph "Joe" Lillard.

She retired from the beauty shop she owned and operated for 30 years, and then devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren, tending her garden, and enjoying the backyard wildlife she loved. Doris also gave generously of her time to friends and family in need of a helping hand. She was known for her dedication to her family, her community service, and her deep faith. Doris volunteered at Saint Catherine of Siena and St. John/Holy Angels Catholic Churches, where she taught youth catechism, sold refreshments at bingo nights, participated in the environmental committee, laundered Sacramental Linens, delivered Meals on Wheels, helped provide meals at the Hope Dining Room, and helped decorate the church for holidays.

Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family—especially her "Grands"; her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doris loved the annual family trips to Ocean City, NJ, and hosting large holiday gatherings at home. At those events, she was often found in the kitchen ensuring everyone had plenty to eat.

Doris is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas "Joe" Lillard; her parents, Brian and Helen O'Connor; and her sister, Geraldine O'Connor. She is survived by her seven children: Cherrie DiMatteo and husband, Anthony; Colleen Basilio and husband, Robert; Thomas B. Lillard; David Lillard; Timothy Lillard; John Lillard and wife, Helen; and Matthew Lillard and wife, Susan; as well as 25 grand / great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Vivian O'Connor Paisley.

Visitation will be held at St. John / Holy Angels Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, Delaware, 19711, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow. Interment will be private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hope Dining Room of Newark Delaware.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doris C. (O'Connor) Lillard, please visit our floral store.