Lillian R. (Holappa) LaRosee

Watertown – Mrs. Lillian Rose (Holappa) LaRosee, of Watertown, died Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Sunrise of Burlington. She was 94.

She was born in Baltic, Michigan, a small town in the upper peninsula on February 10, 1924. Her parents, Michael and Rose (Typpi) Holappa were hard working and humble and belonged to nearby Grace Lutheran Church.

Following her marriage to Waltham native James R. LaRosee the couple lived in Waltham for a time before moving to Watertown more than sixty-five years ago. Lillian devoted her life to raising her family. She'll always be remembered by those that loved her for her gentleness and kindness.

She loved the Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox and among the best memories she leaves are the annual Bastille Day family get-togethers every July at the family camp at Myles Standish State Forest.

Her husband, Jim, a WW2 Veteran, was a recipient of the Silver Star and Croix de Guerre (French Medal of Honor) for his heroic deeds during the war. Jim died on February 16, 1991.

She leaves her children, Michael LaRosee of Winthrop, Carole Breton of Woburn, Steven LaRosee of Watertown and Kathy Johnson of California; her brother, Ronald Holappa of Florida; five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Lillian's life by gathering to visit at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 20th in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham where her funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Fl., Norwalk, CT or online at www.themmrf.org