Lillian Joan Paterra

Of Paradise Valley, Arizona passed away on June 5, 2017 at the age of 100. Lillian was born July 12, 1916 in Hastings-on—Hudson, New York. She was the first born of seven children to Lauretta and Joseph Pisanello. She was preceded in death by her sisters Mary, Cecilia and her brother Joseph. She attended Hastings-on-Hudson High School and later worked as a seamstress to help support her family. On October 27, 1940 Lillian married Benjamin P. Paterra of Yonkers, New York. She was preceded in death eleven years ago by her best friend and husband of 66 years. After Ben retired from the railroad in 1980, they moved to Paradise Valley, Arizona where she enjoyed the warm climate and working in her rose garden. Lillian was also a great chef and her friends and relatives frequently requested her homemade raviolis. She was known for her crystal-clear baby blue eyes and beautiful white hair. Most of all, Lilly loved to dance and have fun. She is survived by her children Linda Gentle and Michael, three grandchildren, Jenifer, Carey and Chrislyn, eight great-grandchildren and four great, great-grandchildren, sisters Virginia and Amelia, brother Jim and eighteen nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Friday, June 9, 2017 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Graveside Service will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 23015 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.