Lillian L. Bigda

Lillian L. (Lemelin) Bigda, 89, of Wildermere St. in Chicopee passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, January 20, 2021 at Mercy Hospital.  Lillian was born in Chicopee, a daughter of the late Arthur P. and Laura (Rouillard) Lemelin. She was a lifelong Chicopee resident and attended local schools, graduating from Cathedral High School in 1949. She worked as the office supervisor for H & R Block for 33 years before her retirement. She also worked for Garretson-Ellis Lumber in East Longmeadow and Hadley Furniture in Springfield. Lillian was a member and volunteer with the National Federation of the Blind Helping Hand over 25 years, also serving as the Treasurer. She was a devoted communicant of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, a member of the former St. George's Church in Chicopee where she served as a Eucharist minister, CCD teacher, Lector, member of the Parish Council and Finance Board. Lillian was honored with the Pope Pius X Religious Education Award for her years of devoted service. She was a communicant of Mary Mother of Hope Church in East Springfield after St. George's church merged.

Her beloved husband of  59 years, Theodore "Ted" Bigda,  passed away on April 13, 2019. She leaves her devoted children; Joanne Reagan of Springfield, Dr. Mark Bigda and his wife Jean of Easthampton, Brian Bigda and his wife Cindy of Easthampton and Richard Lemelin and his wife Janet of Westfield. Her cherished grandchildren; William, Ian, Kierstyn, Zachary and Taylor and her great grandchildren; Elaina-Rose and Brennan, Brian, Darren, Savannah, Austin and Dallas. Lillian also leaves her dear sister, Claire Cucchi of Chicopee and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Lillian was predeceased by her siblings; Lucille Picher, Roger, Robert and Norman Lemelin.

The family invites you to join them on Monday, January 25, 2021 directly at Mary Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Blvd., Springfield at 11:00 A.M. to Celebrate a Liturgy of Christian burial for Lillian. Burial will follow in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery, Olsen St., Aldenville. (Please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed and Church capacity is limited due to state regulations.) The family would like to especially thank the staff at Mercy Hospital for the care, compassion and dignity they showed Lillian during her stay. Donations in Lillian's memory may be made to Mustard Seed Missions (for Haiti), c/o Dr. Mark Bigda, 11 Truehart Drive, Easthampton, MA. 01027



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