Obituary of Lillian R. Brahim

Warrensburg: Lillian Rita (a.k.a. Lill, Ellen, Ellie, Mom, Nana, Grandma, Mumsie Connelly) Brahim formerly of Hudson Street, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 3, 2008 at the Eden Park Health Care Center in Glens Falls surrounded by her loving family. Lillian was born on January 11, 1928 in Cohoes, she was the daughter of Edward and Mary (Hickey) Poliquin. As a young woman, Lillian worked for Cluet and Peabody in Troy making men’s shirts and ties and was also a nurse’s aid at St. Mary’s Hospital, and a waitress. On March 31, 1946, Lillian married Francis Michael Connelly and had five children. Lillian and Francis moved to Long Island to raise their family in the 1960’s. Lillian enjoyed her children, gardening, sewing, and working as an electronics technician at Precise Optics, Inc, where she made circuit boards (before chips) and wired the “C-arm” used in dental x-ray equipment. Lillian and Francis divorced and Lillian married Stanley J. Brahim on September 29, 1981. The couple moved to Warrensburg in 1987. Lillian enjoyed her life in Warrensburg where she was known and loved as Mumsie at her favorite tavern, Ashes Hotel. Lillian loved people and had a wonderful sense of humor. Lillian worked for Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and also had her own business, L&S Fashion’s where she sold clothing from California. In the past, Lillian belonged to the Haskell Brothers Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, the National Rifle Association, and the American Legion. Lillian was a communicant of St. Cecelia’s church in Warrensburg and her faith in the lord saw her through the worst of times. Her faith carried her through her illness of COPD/ emphysema and gave her the strength to still enjoy life. Playing bingo, going to happy hour, bible studies, visiting with family and friends, enjoying Elvis music, and getting all the gossip about Warrensburg from the nurses were Lillian’s favorite past times at Eden Park. Besides her parents, Lillian is predeceased by her daughter, Mary Patricia Connelly, her son, Timothy Joseph Connelly and both her husbands. Survivors include, her son, Francis Michael Connelly Jr. his wife, Maryann of Madison CT, daughter, Annemarie DeKleine her husband, Kenneth of Chestertown, daughter, Christine Smith and her husband, Peter of Medford; grandchildren, Christopher Connelly and his fiancé, Deborah Koehler, Brian Connelly and his fiancé, Lauren Montalbono, Susan Lavin and her husband, Patrick, Erin Connelly and her husband, Ryan, Maureen Connelly and her fiancé, Sean Walker, Daniel K. DeKleine, Holly C. DeKleine and her fiancé, Christopher Purdue, Jeanmarie DeKleine, Melissa Smith, Megan Smith, Brett Francaviglia and her husband, Paul, Timothy J. Connelly Jr. and his fiancé, Kate Priola, Drew Connelly and his wife, Heather; great grandchildren, Jared Connelly, James Walker, and Aidan Connelly; her sister, Rosemary O’Neil of Melrose; her niece, several nephews and cousins and many, many good friends. Friends may call on Mumsie’s family from 2-5 pm Sunday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9 am, Monday at St. Cecilia’s RC Church, Main St., Warrensburg. Entombment will be at the family’s discretion, at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Garden Mausoleums at Pinelawn Cemetery, Long Island. Lillian is to be entombed with her second husband, Stanley J. Brahim. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warrensburg Emergency Squad, PO Box 157, Warrensburg, NY 12885 in honor of Lillian. Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to the fourth floor staff at Eden Park for the kindness, compassion and care given to Lillian. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.