Lillian C. (Poirier) Loiselle

Lillian C. (Poirier) Loiselle, 92, passed peacefully on Monday, June 6, 2022, with her children by her side, at the Buckley Health Care Center in Greenfield, MA.  She was born in North Attleboro, MA on September 12, 1929, the daughter of Emile and Robertine (MacDonald) Poirier.   

Lillian was an opera singer and started singing professionally at the age of nine; recording radio commercials and competing in regional talent and variety shows.  She received a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and after winning, The Miss Charm of Boston Talent Contest, went to New York where she appeared on and off Broadway as well as on radio and television. Lillian was a member of the NY Metropolitan Opera Chorus. Lillian appeared with the Phil Spitalny’s Hour of Charm Orchestra which featured the first all-female orchestra. Lillian was a member of the Chaminade Singers and performed in local theater productions as well as at the half-shell at Capron Park, in Attleboro, with Jim Sullivan.  Although Lillian was an accomplished singer, her most precious gift was her love for her children and family.  Her door was always open with a fresh brew of coffee and her welcoming smile.  Her hugs were crushing and we often teased her about the strain on our necks!  There was a lot of love, laughter and connection with many who kept her company in this life.  Lillian will be best remembered for her ever-present smile and kind demeanor that touched everyone she met.

She was devoted to her Christian faith, attending St. John’s Church in Attleboro, Rehoboth Congregational Church in Rehoboth, Greendale’s Peoples Church in Worcester and 2nd Congregational Church in Greenfield.  Lillian worked in various administrative roles in the Attleboro area including the National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSallette where she met her husband of 33 years, Henri Loiselle.  

Among her survivors, Lillian leaves her children, Stephen Johnson and his wife Lori of Uncasville, CT; Roxanne Johnson and her spouse, Angie Gregory of Fort Worth, TX; Lee Oldenburg and her husband, Bob of Greenfield, MA; and David Johnson and his wife Karen of Woodbine, MD. Lillian loved and treasured her 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.  Lillian was predeceased by her husband, Henri V. Loiselle (2017); brother, Donald Poirier (1998); and grandson, Eric Johnson (1987), as well as her parents, Robertine Poirier (1975) and Emile Poirier (1983).

Thank you to the staffs at New England Hospice and Buckley Healthcare Center for their care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Kostanski Funeral Home, Greenfield, MA on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11 AM.  Interment will be the following day on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11 AM at St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Attleboro, MA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Congregational Church, 16 Court Square, Greenfield, MA 01301.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. Sympathy messages available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.  

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