Essex Junction:

Lillian Rose (Schnackenberg) Racine crossed over the rainbow bridge to be with her favorite grandchild, the dog Fenway Clark, in the early hours of March 26, 2024. She is survived by her only daughter, Heidi Clark, beloved son in law Michael Clark, her two granddaughters, Bethany and Meredith Clark, stepson Leonard Racine and his wife Tina, a grand dog and a great grand kitty.

Lillian was born in the Bronx on January 12, 1938, to Christine Kerst Schnackenberg and Eric Lowenstern. She was a lifelong Yankees fan, despite living most of her life in New England, and raising a daughter who despised the "pinstriped pinheads" with every fiber of her being. She had three siblings, Fred Schnackenberg and Ann Schnackenberg who predeceased her; and Ralph Schnackenberg and his wife Deb of Panama, their children and grandchildren.

She graduated from New Britain High School in Connecticut and Moody School of Commerce with a secretarial degree, but never stopped reading and learning. Her true love, however, was medicine, and she held childhood dreams of becoming a doctor. Instead, she eventually went to nursing school and became an LPN in one of her life's greatest accomplishments. The most rewarding years of her life were the years she spent caring for and nursing loved ones.

In 1971, she married Gerard J. Racine and settled in Colchester a few years later, in 1976, to raise her daughter with him. Though she lived for a number of years in Florida in her retirement years, Vermont remained the place she considered home.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother, sister, husband Gerard, his son Tommy and grandchildren Lenny and Janice Racine; and longtime companion George "Pat" Racine.

Her hobbies included playing cards, crocheting, cooking, and collecting recipes. In ten lifetimes, no one would be able to try every recipe she lovingly collected. She also played the piano, organ, and harmonica, and enjoyed hunting yard sales and flea markets for hidden treasures.

She passed peacefully in the home of her daughter, who was honored to be able to care for her at home and in comfort, with the assistance of UVM Home Health and Hospice. The family is deeply appreciative of Lillian's care team. Per her wishes, there will be a graveside service for Lillian on a yet to be determined date in late August. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, (a charity Lillian donated to until the end of her life), Vermont Make-A-Wish, or your favorite animal rescue.