Lillian (Motta) Openshaw, 88, of New Bedford passed away Monday July 20, 2015 peacefully at home after a long illness. She was the wife of Henry A. Openshaw, Jr., Retired New Bedford Fire Chief, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph Emile and Juventina (Moniz) Motta, she lived in New Bedford all her life.
She was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, where she was involved in many parish activities.
Mrs. Openshaw worked as the office secretary at the Charles S. Ashley School until her retirement.
She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and Campbell Secretarial School.
She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, cake decorating, and other home crafts. She was very devoted to her family, especially enjoying time spent with her granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Dr. Thomas H. Openshaw and his wife Alice of Hampden, Maine; a sister, Mary Carmel Ambrosio of Dartmouth; three grandchildren, Laura Openshaw and her husband Christopher Mihelich, Maria Openshaw, and Dr. Caroline Amin and her husband Sanket; and two great-grandchildren, Ruth and Jonathan Mihelich. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Joseph Motta, Emile Motta, Mary Gomes, Ann Martin, and Louis Motta.
The family thanks Monica Saraiva, Madeline Nunes and Carol Rose for their many kindnesses and devotion during Lillian's recent illness.
Her Funeral will be held on Friday July 24, 2015 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 10 AM. Burial in St.Mary's Cemetery will be private. Visiting hours will be on Thursday July 23, 2015 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.