Lillian Treat Lathrop, 92, formerly of Sayre, PA passed away surrounded by her family at Elderwood Healthcare at Tioga in Waverly, NY on March 29 after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Born March 20, 1921 in Auburn, NY, Lillian was the last of 13 children. On March 24, 1939, she married James R. Lathrop Sr., also of Auburn, in Towanda, PA. James's career on the Lehigh Valley Railroad led to their eventual settling in Sayre, PA in 1954, where they lived until moving to Elderwood in 2009. She was employed for many years by the Sayre Area School District in the food preparation department, which she eventually retired from in the early 1980's. Lillian was the proud matriarch of the family, and took great pride whenever she learned of any of her relatives' accomplishments. She took great joy in cooking, playing her piano, knitting, sewing, and most of all, her children and grandchildren.
Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Georgiana Cramer, her 12 brothers and sisters, her son Douglas Lathrop, and two grandchildren, Robert Scott Lathrop and John Lathrop. She is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, James R. Lathrop Sr.; her four sons James R. (and Sandra) Lathrop Jr., Ronald (and Phyllis) Lathrop, William (and Marcella) Lathrop, and Blane Lathrop; her eight grandchildren Ricky (and Cathy) Lathrop, Valerie (and Michael) McCarty, Jennifer Poole (and Ray) Casselbury, Eric (and Georgia) Lathrop, Rebecca Lathrop, Christopher Lathrop, Robert James Lathrop, and Justin Lathrop; 16 great grandchildren; and 12 great great grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held for family members at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn, NY. Condolences may be sent to James R. Lathrop Sr., c/o Elderwood Healthcare at Tioga, 37 North Chemung St., Waverly NY, 14892. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that people make a donation in Lillian's name to a charity of their own choosing. Memories and condolences for Lillian's family may be shared by visiting our website at www.tiogapointcremation.com Caring assistance is being provided by Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation & Burial Options, 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810.