Lillian M. Race, 95, of Upper Black Eddy, PA, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at The Village at LifeQuest in Milford Township, PA.

Lillian was born on May 1, 1930 in the Bronx, New York, to her parents Peter and Mary (Kannapes) Kluber.  She often shared fond memories and stories of her childhood, especially her days attending PS10.  She told them with such vividness and humor bringing you right into the time along with her.

She was, by her own admission and by anyone who knew her, a true daddy’s girl.  She adored her father.  Although Lillian only stood about five feet tall (if that), she took her role as a big sister very seriously-especially when it came to her younger brother, Peter, who was affectionately known as “Junior” and grew much taller than her despite being several years younger.

Her childhood took a big turn when her family moved from a New York City apartment to a quiet farm in Everittstown, New Jersey, during the WWII era, growing produce and keeping livestock as part of the war effort.  This change impacted Lillian, it was a one she never forgot and often reflected on.

Lillian later moved to Frenchtown, New Jersey, with her first husband, William McHenry, and raised their three children; Tracy, Melissa and Timothy.  She loved sharing stories of their childhood including the funny things they said and did, and it brought joy throughout her life.

After 25 years of marriage to William, Lillian and he decided to live their lives separately and after a while - working at Johanna Farms in Flemington, NJ, Lillian met the true love of her life, Austin Race.  Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, companionship and true devotion.  In 1986, they made their home in Upper Black Eddy, PA in what once was a small brick schoolhouse.  It was there, that they created not just a home, but a beautiful life surrounded by their beloved Scottie dogs, colorful gardens and their shared passions. They called it their “Happy Place”. Throughout their life together they enjoyed many trips abroad, especially to England and also throughout the United States.  They shared time together and with their Scottie dogs.

Lillian cherished gatherings, especially large Thanksgiving dinners filled with family, friends, laughter, and of course, plenty of dogs underfoot.  Those moments captured who she was at her core: someone who brought people together and made everyone feel welcome.  She was also a great lover of books and had an extensive library.  Fittingly, Lillian once worked as a librarian during her life.

She had a wicked sense of humor and a feisty spirit.  Though small in stature, she had a presence that filled the room.  She loved deeply and fully.  Her speech was often sprinkled with Hungarian and Austrian -German expressions from her heritage, words that may have been hard to pronounce, but were unmistakably her.

Lillian was truly a people person.  She used to say that she could ‘Talk to a doorpost” and honestly, she could have.  She was a social butterfly who could strike up a conversation with anyone and walk away having made herself a new friend.

Lillian was generous, kind and compassionate.  She gave freely to the causes that she believed in and cared deeply about others.  Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, it guided her, grounded her and gave her strength.  She loved her friends dearly, and was deeply loved in return.

She is now reunited with those she has missed so much, her beloved husband Austin, her son Timothy, her parents and her brother, Peter “Junior”.  There is comfort knowing that she is at peace, surrounded by love once again. 

Lillian lived a long, full and interesting life.  While we feel the loss of her presence here, we carry forward the many gifts she gave us.  Gifts of laughter, wonderful stories, her warmth and her love.

She will be missed more than words can say, but she will never be forgotten.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11 AM at the St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 345 Elmwood Lane, Riegelsville, PA 18077, with Father Walter Benn officiating. Lillian’s interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.