Lilyan Dorothy Gassaway, 82, of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday morning. Lilyan was born and raised in Avenel, NJ, she graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1956 and began her career at Merck & Co. Lilyan married Robert Gassaway in Woodbridge in 1960. They lived in Woodbridge and Rahway and eventually …
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Lilyan Dorothy Gassaway, 82, of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday morning.
Lilyan was born and raised in Avenel, NJ, she graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1956 and began her career at Merck & Co. Lilyan married Robert Gassaway in Woodbridge in 1960. They lived in Woodbridge and Rahway and eventually settled in Colts Neck to raise their young family. She would leave Merck & Co. to work for her husband’s auto restoration business as a bookkeeper, in 1982 Lilyan started a new career that would last 35 years at Delicious Orchards where she would work her way to Manager/ Buyer.
Lilyan enjoyed spending time at the beach in Spring Lake, long car trips, was an ice cream enthusiast, an animal lover, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Lilyan is predeceased by her parents Adolf Zieseniss and Lilyan Hofstetter, her half-sisters Cornelia Zieseniss and Marie Zieseniss Eberle, sister Julia “Judy” Zieseniss Curran and her brother-in-law Leonard Musser.
Lilyan is survived by her loving husband Robert J. Gassaway of Colts Neck; her children Ronald J. Gassaway and his wife Jean of Freehold, Maria L. Weldon and her husband Robert of Westfield, Linda J. Gassaway and her partner Shirley Jean Brown of Kentucky, and Debra A. White and her husband Mark of Hazlet; her sister Jane Zieseniss Musser of Pennsylvania, and her brother Adolf Zieseniss and his wife Carol of Florida; and her beloved grandchildren Evan, Ryan, Timothy, Sean, Sophia, Isabelle, Robert and Piper, and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews
Visitation will be Monday, April 5th from 3:00 PM-7:00PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel. A funeral liturgy will be held Tuesday, April 6th at 10:30 AM at the Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 County Rd. 537, Colts Neck. Interment will follow at Atlantic Cemetery on the Church grounds.
Kindly note for the health and safety of all guests, current state and local health protocols of social distancing and the wearing of facemasks are being strictly enforced.
To leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory please visit Lilyan’s page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
Terri & Jason Anarumo
left a message on April 21, 2021:
Dearest Bob and family,
Jason & I were deeply saddened to hear the news of Lillyan’s passing. You and the family are in our prayers. May she rest in the sweetest peace!
With love, your former neighbors on Bray Street...
Terri, Jason & the pups
Carol Lawrence
left a message on April 13, 2021:
Prayers for all of you. I feel privileged to have known her and she left a beautiful imprint on my heart. Love the video.
Carol Lawrence
left a message on April 13, 2021:
Prayers for all of you. I feel privileged to have known her and she left a beautiful imprint on my heart. Love the video.
Debra Harley
left a message on April 7, 2021:
I will always remember Miss Lilyan's laughter and good spirit. She would bring or send me wonderful sweet treats. On her last trip to Lexington, she had lunch with a group of us. Thanks Linda and family for sharing her with us.
Patty O'Neill Orlando
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Lilyan was so special to both my parents Walter and Mary Ellen are broken hearted over her passing. Mom was just reminiscing of their special camaraderie - Lil was my mom 's floral assistant , hand holder and photographer the morning of my wedding & Mary Ellen was Lil's partner in crime before Ron's wedding. Many shared car adventures and spaghetti dinners!
May you feel God's arms around you
Love and healing to all the family
Patty O'Neill Orlando
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Alexis Herman
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Sending my condolences and thinking of all of you. Alexis Herman
Sherry Rostosky
left a message on April 5, 2021:
So sorry for your loss, Linda. Thinking of you and your family during this time.
sherry
Scott J. Gassaway
left a message on April 5, 2021:
My love and prayers go out to my Uncle and all my cousins. I'm sorry for you loss. I have fond memories of the great times we had together. We will miss you Aunt Lil. All our love goes out to you, Scotty, Benjamin and Gabriella
Phyllis Bates
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, prayers to you and your family. I remember meeting your Mom and hearing those words that "moms' share of how proud she was of her daughter, and all the wonderful stories that you shared with us beautiful memories. Love you.
Kelly Sampson
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, meeting your Mom was such a gift, she beamed with pride and it was clear how proud of you she was and how delighted she was to be at your workplace, talking to your friends. Thank you for giving me that opportunity. I am sending thoughts, prayers and hugs to you and your family
Amy Spriggs
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, I did not know your mom but I feel like I did - your stories were amazing and it is obvious her memory will live on through you. Thinking of you, Piper, and the rest of your family. Hugs and prayers!
Melinda Ault
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, Piper, and Family,
My deepest condolences! I was happy to get to know your mom and loved talking to her. Her character shines through in the wonderful children she raised! I know you will have happy memories to help sustain you.
Katie (St. Germaine) Porter
left a message on April 4, 2021:
My prayers are with you and all of your family. I remember one time she helped us at the Colts Neck First Aid building during a blood drive and she was having a great time as she joked with people about their blood. She was telling people “ don’t worry it will grow back like hair”. She was a classy lady and she will be missed
Gail and Jim Schlett
left a message on April 4, 2021:
Debbie and Mark,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your dear Mom's passing. Please know you are surrounded by prayer and the love, support of your family and friends at this most difficult time. With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy, Gail and Jim
Donald Olsen
left a message on April 4, 2021:
No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.” —Leo Buscaglia
Tricia Joy Cundari
left a message on April 4, 2021:
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing our your beautiful and beloved mother. I have such fond memories growing up , car pooling with Maria, our YMCA swimming days ! Your mom was always smiling, made us laugh and was so sincere and loving. Anytime I would go to DO, I would make sure to visit Mrs. G! She would always fill me in on her family and was so proud of all of you! May she Rest In Peace. Trish and the entire Joy family
Beth Higgins
left a message on April 3, 2021:
Prayers for your family on the passing of a very dear woman.
Siv Jensen
left a message on April 3, 2021:
My condolences !
Buck, Claudia and Diana Bunch.
left a message on April 2, 2021:
Linda and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We feel blessed that we were able to get to know her when we were all in Greenville. She was such a loving, giving, kind, and thoughtful lady. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending you lots of hugs along with our love to you.
Buck, Claudia, and Diana
Laurie Rodetsky-Joffe
left a message on April 2, 2021:
Wishing you as much peace as possible during this difficult time... you have my deepest condolences
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bill Cherubino
left a message on April 2, 2021:
We say goodbye to a wonderful lady with a beautiful family that led a full life. Mrs. G was the mother of my best friend growing up and instilled the best of American and Christian values in us. She was a loving and caring woman that always had a twinkle in her eye and at least a hint of a smile, if not a beaming grin. How can you not fondly remember the person that on the spur of the moment took us to the last game at old Yankee Stadium in 1973 before they shut it down for remodeling for 2 years? We took home our wooden seats and planted sod from centerfield in our yards! Much love to the Gassaway family.
Lauri Centrella
left a message on April 2, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Lil at DO since 2008. I miss our days in the office together sharing stories about family, food, dogs, baseball and ECU (Go Pirates) My deepest sympathy to your entire family,
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Terri & Jason Anarumo
left a message on April 21, 2021:
Dearest Bob and family,
Jason & I were deeply saddened to hear the news of Lillyan’s passing. You and the family are in our prayers. May she rest in the sweetest peace!
With love, your former neighbors on Bray Street...
Terri, Jason & the pups
Carol Lawrence
left a message on April 13, 2021:
Prayers for all of you. I feel privileged to have known her and she left a beautiful imprint on my heart. Love the video.
Carol Lawrence
left a message on April 13, 2021:
Prayers for all of you. I feel privileged to have known her and she left a beautiful imprint on my heart. Love the video.
Debra Harley
left a message on April 7, 2021:
I will always remember Miss Lilyan's laughter and good spirit. She would bring or send me wonderful sweet treats. On her last trip to Lexington, she had lunch with a group of us. Thanks Linda and family for sharing her with us.
Patty O'Neill Orlando
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Lilyan was so special to both my parents Walter and Mary Ellen are broken hearted over her passing. Mom was just reminiscing of their special camaraderie - Lil was my mom 's floral assistant , hand holder and photographer the morning of my wedding & Mary Ellen was Lil's partner in crime before Ron's wedding. Many shared car adventures and spaghetti dinners!
May you feel God's arms around you
Love and healing to all the family
Patty O'Neill Orlando
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Alexis Herman
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Sending my condolences and thinking of all of you. Alexis Herman
Sherry Rostosky
left a message on April 5, 2021:
So sorry for your loss, Linda. Thinking of you and your family during this time.
sherry
Scott J. Gassaway
left a message on April 5, 2021:
My love and prayers go out to my Uncle and all my cousins. I'm sorry for you loss. I have fond memories of the great times we had together. We will miss you Aunt Lil. All our love goes out to you, Scotty, Benjamin and Gabriella
Phyllis Bates
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, prayers to you and your family. I remember meeting your Mom and hearing those words that "moms' share of how proud she was of her daughter, and all the wonderful stories that you shared with us beautiful memories. Love you.
Kelly Sampson
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, meeting your Mom was such a gift, she beamed with pride and it was clear how proud of you she was and how delighted she was to be at your workplace, talking to your friends. Thank you for giving me that opportunity. I am sending thoughts, prayers and hugs to you and your family
Amy Spriggs
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, I did not know your mom but I feel like I did - your stories were amazing and it is obvious her memory will live on through you. Thinking of you, Piper, and the rest of your family. Hugs and prayers!
Melinda Ault
left a message on April 5, 2021:
Linda, Piper, and Family,
My deepest condolences! I was happy to get to know your mom and loved talking to her. Her character shines through in the wonderful children she raised! I know you will have happy memories to help sustain you.
Katie (St. Germaine) Porter
left a message on April 4, 2021:
My prayers are with you and all of your family. I remember one time she helped us at the Colts Neck First Aid building during a blood drive and she was having a great time as she joked with people about their blood. She was telling people “ don’t worry it will grow back like hair”. She was a classy lady and she will be missed
Gail and Jim Schlett
left a message on April 4, 2021:
Debbie and Mark,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your dear Mom's passing. Please know you are surrounded by prayer and the love, support of your family and friends at this most difficult time. With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy, Gail and Jim
Donald Olsen
left a message on April 4, 2021:
No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.” —Leo Buscaglia
Tricia Joy Cundari
left a message on April 4, 2021:
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing our your beautiful and beloved mother. I have such fond memories growing up , car pooling with Maria, our YMCA swimming days ! Your mom was always smiling, made us laugh and was so sincere and loving. Anytime I would go to DO, I would make sure to visit Mrs. G! She would always fill me in on her family and was so proud of all of you! May she Rest In Peace. Trish and the entire Joy family
Beth Higgins
left a message on April 3, 2021:
Prayers for your family on the passing of a very dear woman.
Siv Jensen
left a message on April 3, 2021:
My condolences !
Buck, Claudia and Diana Bunch.
left a message on April 2, 2021:
Linda and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We feel blessed that we were able to get to know her when we were all in Greenville. She was such a loving, giving, kind, and thoughtful lady. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending you lots of hugs along with our love to you.
Buck, Claudia, and Diana
Laurie Rodetsky-Joffe
left a message on April 2, 2021:
Wishing you as much peace as possible during this difficult time... you have my deepest condolences
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bill Cherubino
left a message on April 2, 2021:
We say goodbye to a wonderful lady with a beautiful family that led a full life. Mrs. G was the mother of my best friend growing up and instilled the best of American and Christian values in us. She was a loving and caring woman that always had a twinkle in her eye and at least a hint of a smile, if not a beaming grin. How can you not fondly remember the person that on the spur of the moment took us to the last game at old Yankee Stadium in 1973 before they shut it down for remodeling for 2 years? We took home our wooden seats and planted sod from centerfield in our yards! Much love to the Gassaway family.
Lauri Centrella
left a message on April 2, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Lil at DO since 2008. I miss our days in the office together sharing stories about family, food, dogs, baseball and ECU (Go Pirates) My deepest sympathy to your entire family,
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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