MARLBOROUGH - Lillian (Nicholas) Hinckley, 80, of Marlborough died peacefully at home Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, surround by her family and close friends. She was the wife of Francis E. Hinckley, Sr., who passed in 1993. Born and raised in Marlborough, the daughter of the late Spiro and Marigo (Stamo) Nicholas, she was a graduate of Marlborough High School, Class of 1948. Prior to the birth of her children, Lillian worked at the Joslin Clinic inBoston as a lab technician, and later as a waitress at the former Harvest Hill Restaurant in Southborough. The matriarch of the family, she was affectionately known as "Ma", "Nana", or "Auntie Lil" and also as one of the members of "The Golden Girls" along with her Sister Ruthie Marlowe and lifelong friends Jeanne Frullo, and Teddy Stevens. She was a very caring woman, always putting the needs others before her own. Lillian loved the beach, and enjoyed vacationing at Hampton Beach with her family and friends. Lillian enjoyed playing cards, loved the music of Frank Sinatra, and more than anything, she loved her family and dear friends. Lillian leaves two sons, Francis E. "Frank" Hinckley, Jr., of Marlborough and James P. Hinckley and his wife, Kimberley, of Hubbardston, and her daughter, Diane C. Hinckley Chandler of Marlborough; her sister, Ruthie Marlowe of Marlborough and her brother, Richard "Nick" Nicholas of Yarmouthport; six grandchildren, Alexis and Morgan Hinckley, Ryan and Kelsy Chandler, and Karina and Zachary Hinckley; many nephews and nieces, including Donna and Marlowe Peltack, Francine, Sheila, and Paula Marlowe; her lifelong friends, Jeanne Frullo and Teddy Stevens, both of Marlborough; and her "adopted" son, Bob Howes of Marlboro. She is predeceased by her son David J. Hinckley of Marlborough, who passed away last December, her Sister Julia, and Brothers Thomas and Robert Nicholas of Marlborough.
A funeral service will be held Monday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m., at the Lincoln Chapel of the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the funeral home. All are invited to sign Lillian's online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lillian's memory to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Marlborough and Hudson, 350 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01604.