It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lillia (Furtado) Sherman, 88, of Fort Washington, MD, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Fort Washington Medical Center. She was the wife of Robert G. Sherman, they were married for 69 years. Their years of devoted love and partnership became the foundation of an extraordinary family.
Born in Augusta, ME, she was daughter of the late Joseph and Franceline (Mello) Furtado. A 1954 graduate of New Bedford High School, she attended Dean College prior to getting married. She was an Elementary School Secretary for the Prince George's County School System for 30 years until her retirement.
In her youth, Lillia was an accomplished pianist, having performed in concert and recorded an album. She enjoyed her collections, ranging from Lladro figurines to anything Disney. Lillia was an avid reader and writer. Her family treasures her many notes and cards, often including articles pertinent to the recipient.
Lillia embodied a life of genuine kindness, compassion and steadfast classical values that touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Lillia lived a life that was both remarkable and filled with grace. Her unwavering dedication to her family was the cornerstone of her existence and her home was a haven of warmth and love. She taught us the importance of empathy, selflessness and the beauty of life’s simplest joys. She was a radiant beauty herself, but it was her pure heart and boundless kindness and unwavering optimism that captivated all who knew her. Her ability to see the good in everyone, to offer a smile even in the toughest times, and to never speak a harsh word was a gift to all who were lucky enough to be in her life.
Lillia had a rare gift for making everyone feel special. Whether offering a listening ear, preparing a meal from the heart, or simply sharing a warm smile, her presence brought comfort and light to those around her. She will be remembered for her timeless wisdom, nurturing spirit and the profound emotional connection she cultivated with friends and family alike. Her loss leaves a void that words cannot fill, but her legacy will live on in the love she gave and the countless lives she impacted. Lillia will be deeply missed, mourned over and loved forever. As we grieve, we also celebrate a life well-lived, a life that reminded us to love deeply, give of ourselves generously, and cherish every moment. Rest in peace beautiful Lillia. You will forever be in our hearts.
Including her husband, Lillia is survived by two children:
Son David R. Sherman and his wife Karla (Ratcliffe) Sherman of Williamsburg, VA; 5 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren: Jessica Sherman-Stoltz, Esq., and her husband Matthew Stoltz, and their children Andrew CST, Peyton, Zion, Lincoln and Aeson; Lt. Col. Aaron Sherman and his wife Nicole, and their children Alex, Lilly, Caroline, Liam and London; Dr. Ethan Sherman and his wife Rachel, and their children Wyatt and Emory; Emily Luck and her husband Dr. Jordan Luck, and their children Judah, Noel and Tobias; and Jameson Sherman CC and his son Cooper Scotto-Sherman.
Daughter Kathleen A. (Sherman) Jacobs and her husband Richard T. Jacobs of Odenton, MD; 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren: Joseph R. Danahy and his wife Amy, and their sons Ryan and Brody; Sean P. Danahy and his wife Jennifer; Caitlin C. Boswell and her husband Brandon W., and their children Connor, Lilliana and Emilia; Evan S. Danahy and his fiancée Adriana Lozada, and their son Evan.
She was sister of the late Francelina (Furtado) Amaral.
Funeral services to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Potter Funeral Home at 10:30 A.M.
Visitation will be from 9 - 10:30 A.M. prior to the funeral.
Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Westport.