Lillian Hershey

In Loving Memory of Lillian Leticia (Bandecchi) Hershey On March 6, 2020, in her sleep at Rose Arbor Hospice, Lillian Hershey was lovingly led by the hand of God to be reunited with the love of her life, Lowell, and all of those who have gone before her. Born September 12, 1924, to Reno and Julia Bandecchi (Italian immigrants from Tuscany), Lillian grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut. Lillian was the oldest of 4 children, now all deceased. With the humble roots of being first generation Italian-American, she learned to live a life of responsibility, commitment, dedication and love. Lillian attended St.Raphael’s Nursing School in New Haven, CT where she became head surgical nurse. Across the street was Yale University where Lowell was studying engineering. The first time she laid eyes on him, she knew he was the one for her. They married July 22, 1946, and moved to Kalamazoo, MI for Lowell’s job with Borg-Warner and hers in surgery at Bronson Methodist Hospital, planning to stay 2 years. As their 5 children began arriving, however, they moved to Portage where they lived the rest of their lives. Lillian’s greatest accomplishment was the amazing job she did raising her 5 children. She knew what each one needed in spite of their many differences and guided them to have productive, successful and happy lives. Born into Catholicism, married Methodist, and later joining Unity of Kalamazoo promoted self-reflection, study, and thinking for oneself; belief in God guided her. She was a founding member of the weekly Tuesday Morning Prayer Group which has been faithfully meeting for 59 years. Lillian’s hobbies included gardening, cake decorating, golf, yoga, swimming, volleyball, reading, cooking and baking (Lowell proclaiming her “The Best Cook in the West”). She was a prolific communicator, writing dozens of cards and letters each month which kept her connected to family and many dear, life-long friends. As her friends died, she maintained friendships with their children. Lillian and Lowell were active all their lives. Over the years, dancing became a favorite activity. A national dance convention took them to Waikiki, resulting in their wintering in Hawaii over 30 years and building special friendships there. Lillian and Lowell (deceased 2013) are survived and lovingly remembered by their children; Douglas (deceased 2012) (Laurie) Hershey, Linda (Kit) Lirot, Ray (Julie) Hershey, Jon (Sally) Hershey and Rob (Susie) Hershey, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Although loving, and being loved in return by so many for 95 years, since Lowell’s death Lillian’s yearning has been to be reunited with him. Although she will be tremendously missed, we are happy for her that her wish has come true. Dear, sweet Lillian… May you rest in the Peace of God and the arms of Lowell. Cremation has taken place. Her Celebration of Life formerly planned for June 6, 2020 has been postponed until further notice at Unity of Kalamazoo, 1204 Whites Road, Kalamazoo, MI. followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity of Kalamazoo or Hospice of Southwest Michigan. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.