Lillian Bullard-Eskelson

PUTNAM: Lillian Louise (Larson)Bullard Eskelson, 97, formerly of Sabin Street passed away Saturday, April 16 in Westview Health Care Center in Dayville, CT after an illness.

Lillian is survived by her daughter: Susan Tibbits of Palmetto, FL; her step-daughter Kristin Pawlitz of Rockland, ME; her step-son Herbert Eskelson, Jr of Washington and several nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her first husband, Earl R. Bullard in 1961 and her second husband, Herbert Eskelson in 1985.

Lillian was born on September 16, 1918 in Lyon Mountain, NY the daughter of Carroll F and Ida (Leigh) Larson.  She attended Mary E. Wells High School and lived in the area all her life.

Lillian left High School at age 16 due to the economy and went to work at the former Ames Worsted Mill in Southbridge then went onto work at American Optical Corporation in Southbridge, where she was promoted to Forelady and later transferred to American Optical Safety Division in Putnam, where she was promoted to Supervisor. She retired in 1963 after having worked for twenty-seven years with the company. 

In 1961, while residing in her new home on Woodstock Road in Southbridge, her first husband Earl and her mother, Ida both passed away of natural causes on the same day.  She later married Herbert Eskelson in 1963 and moved to Thompson, CT.  She resided in Thompson until 2000, after having lived there for thirty-seven years she moved to Sabin St in Putnam.   

Lillian was a former member of the Methodist Church of Southbridge and a member of the Congregational Church in Thompson.  She was a former member and past worthy matron of the former Quinebaug Chapter of Order of Eastern Star and a former President of Day Kimball Hospital Auxillary Board in Putnam.  She was also a manager of the Day Kimball Hospital Coffee Shop. 

Lillian was an avid bowler and golfer, she actively participated in both sports until age 87 when she injured her back in a fall.

She was an also a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson.

Calling hours for Lillian will be held on Thursday, April 21^st from 4:00-6:00 P.M. in the Belanger Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA 01550.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 22^nd at 1:30 P.M. in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge, MA.