LILLIAN (OSTROWSKI) HODGE

Lillian (Ostrowski) Hodge of Lompoc, California, formerly of Waltham and Concord, Massachusetts, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a brief but brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, August 14, 1932, graduated from Stevens High School in 1950, and retired in 1995 after a career with New England Telephone/Verizon. She attended the First Baptist Church of Lompoc.

She is the widow of Donald F. Hodge who predeceased her on June 13, 2005, after 52 years of marriage. She is survived by two daughters: Vanessa Hodge of Maynard, Massachusetts and Dorian Hodge of Lompoc, California; one son: Donald A. Hodge of Hudson, Massachusetts (fiancée Melba Luz Hurley); one granddaughter, Anilta Makbi-Hodge; one sister, Elizabeth (Peter) Laskey of Stow, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews; and her two cats.

Lillian was a fiercely independent woman. She was a loving and nurturing mother, a wonderful homemaker, an incredible cook, an avid reader, and a talented rug braider. She was very much loved by her children, family, and many close friends in both Massachusetts and California. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her--may God's loving grace comfort those who grieve her loss.

An informal remembrance service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, 5 June 2010 at the First Baptist Church of Lompoc. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian's name may be made to any of her favorite charities: the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protective Center (NCRCCPC), P.O. Box 148, Lompoc California 93438; Volunteers For Inter-Valley Animals (VIVA), P.O. Box 896, Lompoc California 93438; Minuteman Senior Services, Massachusetts; or the Christian Appalachian Children's Fund.

Many thanks to Marian Hospice CHW for their compassionate and capable care.

Arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.