Emilia J. Lanier, R.N., 94, of Sutton, formerly of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, October 13th. Emilia was born in Montpelier, Vermont on May 12, 1918.
She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her daughter, Joanne Huban Wilson and her husband, John with whom she lived; two grandchildren, Colleen Huban Phelps and her husband, Jack of Natick and Jill Huban Rizzotti and her husband, Tony of Sudbury; four great-grandchildren, Caroline and Michael Phelps and Peter and Luke Rizzotti; and two sisters, Iola Berno of Montpelier, Vermont and Teresa Frascoia of Maryland. She will also be greatly missed by Hilary and John Marsi of Dudley and their children Anthony and Jessica. Emilia was predeceased by her husband, A. Frederick Lanier in 1943; two brothers, Augustine and Joseph Pacini and three sisters, Albis Taylor, Josephine Howe and Mary Reno.
The oldest of eight children of Giacomo and Florence (Abbiati) Pacini, she earned her nursing degree from the former Heaton Hospital School of Nursing in 1939 and was a RN at Worcester State Hospital for 44 years before retiring in 1986 as Chief Hospital Supervisor. After retiring she continued to volunteer in the State Hospital clergy department and with the Worcester School Department helping non-English speaking children learn to read. She was recognized for her volunteer service by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation with the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2008 that was presented to her at a ceremony at Mechanic's Hall. She was a member of St. Mark's parish and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and traveling. Emilia was known as the "Jammie Grammy" by her great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 17 with a Mass 10:00 AM in St. Mark's Church, Sutton. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. There are no calling hours. Donations can be made to the St. Mark's scholarship fund, 356 Boston Road, Sutton, MA 01950. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester is directing arrangements