Lillian B. Breen (Lilly), 92, died peacefully in her home in Delhi on April 4, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Gerry Breen Sr., who was the love of her life. She is survived by her children Suzanne (Steve), Gerry (Laura), Nora (Mark), Pat (Betty) and Don (Tammy) as well as her grandchildren Spencer, Natasha (Jeremy), Kathryn (Aaron), Rebecca and Rosemary and great-grandchildren Rosalena and Delilah. She also leaves behind extended family Tav Daly and Junior and Linden Jackson. And, don’t forget her nine cats!
Lilly was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, daughter of the late Julius and Anna Young. Predeceased is her dear brother, Bob Young. Lilly grew up in River Edge, New Jersey and went to Hackensack High School where she met her husband, Gerry. Lilly always said living with Gerry was fun and they had many great adventures. They lived in Poughkeepsie, New Bedford, Massachusetts and Brooklyn before settling down in Delhi for 55 years.
Lilly affirmed often that she had a wonderful life. She cherished her family. She and Gerry enjoyed raising children, playing tennis, skiing, ice skating, canoeing, ping pong, golfing, traveling, watching movies and reading.
Lilly and Gerry had a special passion for tennis. They ran tournaments and leagues. They were New York State Senior Games Doubles Champions.
Lilly taught the tennis program for the village of Delhi for many summers. She coordinated the Village of Delhi Youth Summer Athletic Program which included tennis, gymnastics and arts and crafts. In the winter she ran the fabulous ice-skating pond. Lilly also coached the Delaware Academy tennis team for many years. One of her teams affectionately named the tennis courts “The Lillypad.” She enjoyed getting to know her players, watching them mature and enjoy the game of tennis.
Lilly and Gerry also started the Delhi Bad Bunch Canoe team which has entered two to four boats in the General Clinton Canoe Regatta from 1976 through to the present.
Lilly loved to get people involved on the tennis court, out on the river or on the ski slopes.
Lilly graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. After graduation she taught reading to children with learning disabilities.
Lilly also played piano with incredible sight-reading ability, was an avid gardener, loved birds and butterflies. In later years she rescued nine barn cats, who also survive her.
The Breen house always had an open door for all people to drop in to participate in a game, to talk, laugh and be supported. Besides their own children, the Breen’s hosted and fostered other kids who were in need of a stable home environment.
Lilly was an extraordinary person who cared for many people. She was kind, always interested in you, helped many and while doing so make it seem effortless, enjoying every moment of her life.
Her passing is a great loss to her family, her many friends and the greater Delhi community. There will be a Celebration of Life - June 29, 1 - 4 p.m. at 42 Elm Street, Delhi. Join us in celebrating Lilly’s wonderful life.
