Christine I. Lillis

Christine I. Lillis, 84 passed away peacefully, Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Highland Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home, in Winthrop. Ms. Lillis was born April 21, 1928 in Jordan, NY, daughter of Hugh and Mary (Shants) Lawrence of Lake Placid. She married Richard T. Burke in August of 1953 in Syracuse. He predeceased her on December 6, 1993. Christine was an L.P.N.; launching her career at Ray Brook Hospital, transferring to Will Rogers Institute in Saranac Lake and then retired from Uihlein Mercy Center, in Lake Placid in 1993. Christine is survived by a brother and sister in law, John & Betty Lawrence of Dansville, NY, two daughters and son in laws, Deborah and Robert Pierce of Winthrop, and Tina and Peter Cullen of Albany. She also leaves behind six loving grandchildren and three step grandchildren; Heather & Matthew Kish of Winthrop, Jackson & Angela Shatraw of Stow, OH, Dylon Luce and Jeannie Smith of Albany, Travis Shatraw and Chelsea Furbish of Winthrop, Bradley Luce and Rebecca Schachtler of Canandaigua, Atasha Shatraw and her fiance, James Ashley, of Norfolk, Kreg Pierce, Michael Pierce and Elaine Kelley all of Massena, and fourteen great grandchildren; Daniel, Austin, Cole and Chase Sweeney, Elijah, Jocelyn, Julianna, Isabella and Kyle Shatraw, soon to be - Bentley Ashley, Caleb Luce, Mason & Ocean Kelley, Matthew & Ava Pierce and several nieces and nephews. Christine had a love for Angels and kittens; found relaxation in reading and word finds; and didn't like to miss an episode of The Walton's and Little House on the Prairie. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting in her early years. She cherished visits with grandchildren and great grandchildren and had many friends at the Highland Nursing Home. Christine will be missed by all who were touched by her love, friendly smile, and her gracious wit. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 to 5 at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Christine's Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will commence following visitation at 5pm with her grandson, Jackson Shatraw officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local Animal Shelter or Highland Nursing Home in Massena, NY. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.