Lillian A. Waite

Lillian A. Waite was born on February 17, 1931 in Bridesburg, Philadelphia to Edward and Stella Ensslen. Her family included siblings Edward (only surviving), Donald, Patricia and Leona. Lil's early years were shaped by the Great Depression and her father's amazing skills of providing for his family in difficult times. Both shaped her with a practical approach to managing her life.

Lillian was married to Thomas Earl Waite on April 21, 1956 and had five children, Barbara, Patricia, Thomas, Sandra (deceased) and Michael. Our parents eventually moved the family from Mayfair to Fairless Hills where she spent the last 52 years. Lillian cared for both of her dying parents soon after moving and experience the untimely death of her husband Tom on February 19, 1978. She rallied from these tragedies and found the strength to raise five children on her own. Lillian worked as a full-time mom until taking the 10-2 shift at Bamberger's/Macy's so she could send us to school and be home when we returned. Her need to find full-time employment took her to the Home Rubber company in Trenton where until her retirement. Lil was never one to sit still. She volunteered at Saint Frances Cabrini Parish for decades before shifting to the Ladies Auxiliary at the Fairless Hills Fire Department and worked part-time for the local YMCA until she was 79.

As a grandmother she enjoyed her time with Andrew, Melissa, Wesley, Shane, Ryan and Alex. Lillian also was blessed to have four great grandchildren, Kaylee, Wesley Jr., Brandon and Joshua. They all became the joy in her life and at times a second chance to be a mom having raised a grandson and great grandson for a period of time.

Lillian always did her best to provide for all of us throughout her life. Even as she entered her advanced years, she remained generous with her heart and limited money. She was a great friend to many, a social butterfly to strangers, and opened her home to our friends. She loved to feed everyone and made elaborate holiday meals, particularly the German New Year's feast with homemade Spaetzle noodles. Many of the family favorites were passed down from her mother Stella. Mom loved to dance and the polka was a particular favorite. In her declining years she loved her visits with Wes, Dee and Josh and getting out for long car rides.

She will be dearly missed by all that survive her.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Lil's life will be held at Saint Frances Cabrini Church, Fairless Hills in the spring (date TBD).

She asked that in lieu of flowers all donations be made to "A Women's Place" for domestic violence response at https://awomansplace.org/.