Lillian Mahaffey
February 20th, 1937 - July 8th, 2025
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Lillian's Obituary
Lillian Y. Mahaffey, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:30AM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Eric Jarvis officiating. Burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Berrien County Cancer Services or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Lillian was born on February 20, 1937, in Winding Gulf, West Virginia, to Lee and Ada (Bateman) Stone. In 1956, she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. On June 17, 1955, Lillian married the love of her life, Phillip E. Mahaffey. The two were married for nearly 48 years before his passing in 2003. Following high school, Lillian began working as a Phone Switch Operator for Michigan Bell before being promoted to work in the office. Once she and Phillip decided they were ready to start their family, Lillian quit working and became a stay-at-home mom for their two daughters. As soon as her daughters were out of high school, she began working again. She worked for The Herald Palladium for a few years, as well as at Whirlpool Corporation for a number of years before entering full retirement. Lillian was a proud member of Zion Evangelical Church. However, what brought her the most joy was spending time with her family. Anytime her grandchildren or great-grandchildren would walk into a room Lillian would get the biggest smile on her face seeing them; they were truly her pride and joy.
Lillian is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Jeffrey) Faraone of St. Joseph and Lana (fiancé, David Bonee) Sharai of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Tyler Faraone, Lainie (Ryan) Magley, Zachary (Sarah) Sharai, and Kaylee (Joey) Croley; and great-grandchildren, Jax & Willa Magley, and Murphy Sharai. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Phillip; and siblings, Fred, Paul, Lester, Minnie, Iola, Betty, Ellen and Hattie.
Lillian was born on February 20, 1937, in Winding Gulf, West Virginia, to Lee and Ada (Bateman) Stone. In 1956, she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. On June 17, 1955, Lillian married the love of her life, Phillip E. Mahaffey. The two were married for nearly 48 years before his passing in 2003. Following high school, Lillian began working as a Phone Switch Operator for Michigan Bell before being promoted to work in the office. Once she and Phillip decided they were ready to start their family, Lillian quit working and became a stay-at-home mom for their two daughters. As soon as her daughters were out of high school, she began working again. She worked for The Herald Palladium for a few years, as well as at Whirlpool Corporation for a number of years before entering full retirement. Lillian was a proud member of Zion Evangelical Church. However, what brought her the most joy was spending time with her family. Anytime her grandchildren or great-grandchildren would walk into a room Lillian would get the biggest smile on her face seeing them; they were truly her pride and joy.
Lillian is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Jeffrey) Faraone of St. Joseph and Lana (fiancé, David Bonee) Sharai of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Tyler Faraone, Lainie (Ryan) Magley, Zachary (Sarah) Sharai, and Kaylee (Joey) Croley; and great-grandchildren, Jax & Willa Magley, and Murphy Sharai. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Phillip; and siblings, Fred, Paul, Lester, Minnie, Iola, Betty, Ellen and Hattie.
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