Obituaries

Lillian M. Wagner-Dykhuis

 

Lillian M. Wagner-Dykhuis

Lillian Wagner-Dykhuis died peacefully in her sleep Sept. 9, 2018, at age 99. Born April 14, 1919, in Ridgewood, N.Y., to Frieda (Hoffman) and William Hill, she was one of eight children and the last to survive. 

She graduated from Richmond Hill High School. During World War II, Lillian was active in the American Women’s Voluntary Service. She worked in New York City as an executive secretary and married Howard Wagner in 1948. After having daughters Nancy and Noel, she returned to work in 1971 for Equitable Bag Company. After retiring in 1981, Lillian and Howard wintered in Boynton Beach, Fla. and spent the remaining three seasons in Mattituck. Their family has enjoyed summers in Mattituck for 60 years now.

She was widowed in 1994. In 1999, she married Arthur H. Dykhuis. They were both 80 years old at the time, and she was widowed again three years later. 

All her life, Lillian enjoyed being active in sports and being of service to others. She loved to crochet, dance, travel, entertain guests, perform and play shuffleboard and bocce. Lillian was a Senior Girl Scout leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star since 1946. She was a board member of the PTA of each of her daughters’ schools. Lillian was junior deputy of the Organization of Triangle Girls. She was active in the Mattituck Seniors, where she was bocce and shuffleboard director. She also participated in their performances. Her favorite was lip-syncing as one of the Andrews Sisters. Lillian was an active member of St. Mark’s UCC Church in Queens, Boynton Beach Congregational Church in Florida, and Advent Lutheran Church in Mattituck.

Lillian is survived by her granddaughter Lisa Ann Trainor (Stephen) of Wall Township, N.J.; daughters Nancy Wagner-Wetzel (Fred) of Staten Island; and Noel Yancey (Ray) of St. Augustine, Fla.; as well as beloved nieces and nephews. 

Lillian lived a long, full life, loving her God, family and friends. She was grateful for the wonderful experiences and memories. 

There will be a memorial service at Advent Lutheran Church on Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m., with interment of ashes to follow at Calverton Veteran’s Cemetery. The Rev. George Summers will officiate. A celebration of her life will also be held Sept. 24 with her family and friends in Boynton Beach.