Lillian L. Morin

Lillian "Mammy" Leclerc Morin, 81, of Sanford, died Saturday, July 4, 2009 of a stroke.She was born to Onesime and Agnes Leclerc on April 18, 1928 in Sanford. During the depression, when she was 10 months old, they moved to South Durham, Canada. At 17 she decided farm life was not for her and returned to Sanford to work at Goodall Mills for over 40 years. There, she met her husband George "Buddy" Morin, a returning WW II vet. Their marriage lasted 48 years until his death in September of 1996. They had one daughter and twin boys. While her children were growing up, Lillian worked full time, kept house and never sat down for leisure time. She was always on the go. Many summer nights were spent swimming at Emery Mills and Mousam Lake. Every summer, Lillian would take her children to Canada by train to visit family. For years, Lillian and Buddy were fixtures at the local dance halls.Family was her life and each Sunday she hosted brunch for them and their friends. Because of this tradition, the family was able to stay connected with love and laughter. Anyone could be a grandmother, but it took someone special to be a Mammy. After raising her three children, the next chapter of her life was making sure she was actively involved in her six grandchildren's lives. She never missed a concert, sporting or academic event, recital or graduation.A recent highlight of her life was The Morin Family Roadtrip where Lillian and her entire family journeyed back to her childhood roots in Canada to celebrate her 80th birthday.She knew her grandchildren's lives so well. She didn't ask how school was in general but asked specifically how English was, knowing it was a difficult subject. She didn't just know that her grandchildren played sports, but knew their specific positions and stats. She wasn't one to hesitate if she disagreed with a call made or a coach's decision.Mammy was known for her homemade cookies, which traveled to college dormitories, NASCAR races, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Hannaford. Each Friday, she had a bag of them waiting for her mailman. Once you tried a cookie, you always came back asking for more.Lillian had a strong interest in physical fitness, acquired from her husband Buddy, a former Mr. Maine weightlifting champion. She was the oldest member of Planet Fitness in Sanford and would attend nearly every day. She would go with her granddaughter and didn't hesitate to tell her if she wasn't using proper form. She mowed and raked her own lawn, planted a garden and kept a meticulous house. Wanting to maintain independence, she would wake up at 4 :00 AM to shovel the driveway before her son and daughter-in-law arrived to plow her out at 4 :30 AM.She attended Mass daily and would arrive early to say the rosary and meet up with good friends.She made afghans and quilts for all her children and grandchildren.Lillian was always willing to run errands or give family and friends rides when needed. She was a safety net in the heart of town. This allowed her family to stop in for a quick cup of coffee and a bit of advice.She is survived by a daughter Elaine Guillemette of Sanford, son Wesley Morin and his wife Carol of Shapleigh, son Douglas Morin and his wife Cynthia of Sanford, her six grandchildren, Kristen Guillemette Perfetuo, Heath Guillemette, Steffan, Brian, Whitney and Heidi Morin, and one great granddaughter Ella Perfetuo, her brothers Dennis and Patrick Leclerc, her sisters Clarice Leclerc and Agnes Archambault, all of Canada, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her brother Paul Leclerc and sister Olive Archambault, both in Canada.Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford on Wednesday from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 AM at the St. Ignatius Church of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish. Burial will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Maine Children's Cancer Program, 100 US Route 1, Unit 107, Scarborough, ME 04074-9308. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford.