Lillian L. Giachino

Lillian Lazaris Giachino, passed away peacefully on 2/2/20. She was the loving mother
of Nick (Sarah) Giachino of Wrightsville, NC, Alicia (Giovanni) Madera of North White
Plains, NY and Ruth (Ted) Zavitsanos of Downingtown, PA; Grandmother to Olivia,
Victoria, John Peter, Gabrielle, Valerie and Alexa.

Lillian was born on January 26, 1932 to Nick and Ann Lazaris. She joins her mother,
father, brother (Ed) and sister (Ida) at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA.
She was a caring daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend. On June
9, 1951 she married Robert Giachino and resided in Pittsburgh during the births of her
three children. In 1968, they moved to North White Plains, New York where she resided
for twenty-five years before retiring to Kimberton, PA.

Lillian studied piano at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from the Katherine
Gibbs Secretarial School. She worked as a secretary at TWA in Pittsburgh until the time
she had her first child. She then shifted her priorities to raising her loving family along
with volunteering in local schools and libraries. Her love of family continued to grow and
shine in her home. Lillian had a passion for all music, though particularly as an opera
enthusiast; she also took a passion for travel, cooking, gardening and entertaining. She
shared and developed these passions with her growing family. Lillian took joy in sharing
her knowledge and seeing these passions spread to those around her. Lillian spoke
Greek, Italian and Spanish; she was a strong believer in vocabulary building and
expanding her knowledge of the arts and sciences.

During World War II as a young teen, she wrote letters to the troops and was always
proud to raise the American Flag. She volunteered at Cardinal McCloskey’s Orphanage
teaching the children music and playing the piano for them. In 1977, she returned to
work as the secretary for the local Chief of Police before retiring in 1992.

Lillian took great pride in her heritage by teaching the history and culture to her family
through recipes such as spanakopita (spinach pie), a fresh spaghetti sauce, or a rack of
lamb on Easter Sunday. She taught her grandchildren a great deal including the art of
pie making and how to hold your own in a game of Monopoly or Uno. She encouraged
them to develop a passion for reading and writing, to live life with integrity and strong
values, and also the importance of loving family and respecting others. She hosted
holidays and celebrations with traditions while also incorporating new aspects for all her
family and friends to enjoy and fondly remember.

Her display of positive energy, generosity, and infinite wisdom encouraged all those
around her. Her love of family and friends was reflected in her warm home, delicious
meals, and great conversations. Her fashion and style, hospitality and creativity will
always be cherished. Her life not only defined her as an extraordinary loving and caring
mother, aunt, grandmother and friend but she was a wonderful human being in every
aspect. Her beautiful smile, gorgeous red hair, sparkling green eyes, warm hugs, along
with her encouragement and passion for the joys of life will remain in our hearts forever.
Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are being planned. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests donations be made to a local library or musical arts program of your choice.

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