Lillian Lampitt

Lillian Gwenda Lampitt, 89, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, April 11, 2011, at Southeast Hospital.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, friends and a life of loving service to others.

Gwen was born March 15, 1922, near Adelaide in Strathalbyn, South Australia, to Charles Henry and Lily Jane Fargher Hibberd.

After coming to the United States she made her home in St. Louis. She and Edwin Andrew Lampitt were married Nov. 15, 1942, in Ursa, Ill. He passed away Jan. 15, 2001. They raised their family in Pekin, Ill., later living in St. Charles and Bonne Terre, Mo., before moving to Cape Girardeau in 1989.

Gwen graduated from Miss Hickey's Business School and was a secretary until her marriage when she became a full time, devoted, loving wife and mother. She comes from a long line of British women known for their handwork. Gwen was a gifted knitter and accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed the outdoors both as a gardener and a golfer. Gwen had the gift of hospitality. She was warm, personable, and enjoyed gatherings of all kinds.

She was baptized at Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

An optimist, she fought a courageous battle with cancer and was a 30-year survivor grateful for the additional years she was able to spend with her family and friends.

She is survived by two sons, Thomas (Donna) Lampitt of Dallas, Dr. Edwin (Katie) Lampitt of Columbia, Mo.; two daughters, Gwenda (Dr. Michael) Bennett and Patricia (Dr. Randall) Stahly of Cape Girardeau; 13 grandchildren, Samuel Stahly, Patricia (Russ) Mothershead, Dr. Ross (Jocey) Bennett, Michelle Bennett, Gwenda (Shaun) Hawk, Kimberley (David) Smith, Edwin C. (Maggie) Lampitt, Suzanne (Dr. Scott) Dudley, Timothy (Michelle) Lampitt, Spc. Thomas Lampitt, Kelley (Craig) Turner, Lori Lampitt and Jill (Pat) Franklin. She was "Grandma Great" to 23 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, a sister and her husband.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The funeral will be at noon Wednesday at the church, with the Rev Douglas Breite officiating.

Private interment will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.