LEICESTER: Elizabeth A. (Kreiger) Lilyestrom 85, of Warren Ave., died Tuesday, April 22 in Southeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Easton, Ma.
She was the wife of Robert W. Lilyestrom who died in 2003. She leaves her son John R. Lilyestrom and his wife Emily of Gaithersburg, MD, her daughter Catherine A. Kehoe and her husband Tim of Norton, her brother John Kreiger and his wife Mary Jane of Leesburg, Va., and five grandchildren.
“Betty” was the Leicester correspondent for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette where she worked from 1951 to 2013. She was the first female reporter allowed on the “City Desk” at the Telegram. She was a member of St. Pius X Church, where she was very active as a longtime CCD Teacher, member of the Parish Council and volunteer for their Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops.
Born in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of Albert J. and Catherine R. (Mackey) Kreiger, and later graduated from UMASS-Amherst, Class of 1950. She was the 1st female editor and chief of the school newspaper. Betty was an avid Red Sox and Bruins Fan.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26 from the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 7p.m in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Leicester Senior Center, 40 Winslow Ave., Leicester, Ma. 01524