Lillian G. Fanslau

Lillian G. Fanslau, age 93, of Allendale and a former long-time resident of Wayne, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020.

Lillian was born in Paterson and graduated from Eastside High School with the Class of 1945.  After graduation, she took a job at NJ Bell Telephone Company and worked in the billing department preparing customer’s monthly invoices.

How Lillian met her husband Roy is quite a story. When Roy was eighteen and Lillian just twelve they each accompanied their Mom on a church bus ride to High Point. Lillian must have made an impression on Roy as a few years later he asked if they could correspond through letters while Roy was serving with the Army in the Philippines. They fell in love through those letters, and when Roy returned, they began dating. They dated for two years and were married May 10, 1947 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Smith St. in Paterson and enjoyed a honeymoon traveling throughout New England.

Lillian and Roy lived in Paterson and welcomed their first son Richard in October 1948. They moved to their first home on Preakness Ave in Paterson in 1949 and welcomed another son, Wayne and a daughter April. In 1962 the family moved to Wayne and made that home for the next 52 years from 1962 to 2014.  

No matter where they lived, Lillian was the consummate awesome mom and excellent homemaker. She was the one who hosted most of the holidays, primarily because she enjoyed it, but quite possibly because she was an excellent cook and baker. Family favorites included Lillian’s Sauerkraut with pork which for many years was traditionally served on New Year’s Day, and her German stollen bread and various cookies, cakes and pies.

Throughout their marriage Lillian and Roy traveled on many road trips which were among their favorites. They visited National Parks such as Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. They also toured Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Denmark, and the Scandinavian countries, just to name a few. Their favorite destination was, without a doubt, wherever they could be together. They were blessed with 67 years in a loving marriage. Lillian and Roy moved to the Allendale Assisted Community where Roy passed away in 2014. Surely during the past six years, Lillian had a trove of fine memories to help keep Roy close to her heart. Now they are reunited once again.

Lillian took great pride and joy in her beautiful rock garden and planting flowers throughout the yard. She also enjoyed curling up with a good mystery book from Mary Higgins Clark and doing her word search puzzle books. She was a skilled seamstress who made many of her own clothes and curtains. She also adored spending time with her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They all have fond memories of Grandma’s homemade applesauce and how she’d make them pizza.  

Lillian was  a longtime member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Wayne where she was active in  the church’s Angel Circle – a group that made quilts which were lovingly donated to those in need. She also volunteered time to the church’s garden club with the goal of making the church’s grounds look as lovely as her own yard.

Over the years Lillian had some pet sayings. One of her favorites was “Whatever!” She’d often say “You have to do up with it” which meant, you have to put up with certain things. More recently, she would frequently refer to herself as “This old tomato” which became the inspiration for her 93rd birthday cake that resembled a giant red tomato. In the end, Lillian’s words were sometimes funny but her actions were truly what made her such a special person. She was a truly kind and selfless woman who often put the needs of others before her own. She was the consummate caregiver for her Mom, her brother Al, cousin Rene and for Roy as he experienced health issues.  Lillian was there for him every step of the way.

Lillian was predeceased by her beloved husband Roy Fanslau, blessed in marriage for 67 years until his passing 2014. She was the loving mother of Richard Fanslau (Nancy) of Saddle Brook, NJ, Wayne Fanslau (Joan) of Pine Beach, NJ, and April Spann (Jeff) of Rockaway, NJ; adoring grandmother of Michael Fanslau (Danielle), Sara Jefferson (John), Megan Rendon (Richard), David Fanslau (Carly), Justin Fanslau (Jonny Sta Ana), Kelly Spann, and Ryan Spann (Tonia Benoy); cherished great-grandmother of: Layla, Bennett, Aria, and Erika. Lillian was also predeceased by her two dear older brothers: Albert and Otto Schifferdecker.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Lillian’s name are asked to consider St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 395 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470, or a charity of your choice.