In Memory Of
Lily M. Cross
1921
2021
Lily M. Cross
October 25, 1921 — September 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lily (Vicky) Cross on September 17, 2021, 38 days short of her 100th birthday.
Vicky was born on October 25, 1921 in Chesterfield, England. She was the middle of five children, and was only 10 when her mother, Charlotte Vickers, died. Her father, Fred Vickers, was a coal miner who struggled to support the family during the depression. At age 15, her father placed her in a local convent where she was trained to be a nurse's aide. That training served her well as she tended to bombing victims during the Battle of Britain and subsequent WWII events.
After the war, she relocated to the US as a nanny serving a family who moved to Arizona and then Massachusetts. In 1947, while listening to the radio in the back yard of the family residence, she met Allan Cross who asked to check on the score of the Red Sox/Yankees game. Allan was a WWII Army veteran and Massachusetts resident. They began dating and married in March 1950. Shortly after, they relocated to South Florida where Allan held several jobs before settling on a career with the Miami Herald.
In 1952, daughter Susan was born. The family enjoyed domestic and European travel until Allan's death in 2004. Susan and Vicky relocated to Lake Mary in 2005 to be near extended family. They attended Markham Woods Presbyterian Church since 2014 where she loved the worship and fellowship. Vicky had a long and fulfilling life, and she will be greatly missed. Heaven has received another member of the "Greatest Generation." May she rest in peace.
Vicky credited her longevity to 50+ years of playing tennis. She also enjoyed crafts, knitting newborn hats for Advent Health Hospital, and many visits to Disney each year.
Vicky is survived by daughter Susan Miedema (Herman); cherished grandson, Scott Montgomery (Yanipat Ekeiam); niece Ellie Lowe (Steve); and nephews Alan Vickers (Gaye), Michael Dunn (Pamela), and Peter Dunn. She was blessed with a large extended family who loved her including Karen Phillips Goodman (Randy) and children Daryl, Courtney and Morgan; Kristen Destout (Jay) and children Amy, Stephen, Jaycob and Ambria; Greg Montgomery and children Tyler and Madison; Lee Montgomery (Linda) and children Stacey and Rett; Nancy Schuler (Rob)and daughter Arianna Bailey; Kristen Legge (Devin) and Shelly Rosa, along with many great and great great nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She had a love for all the pets who came into her life, who we're sure are by her side now.
A celebration of life and 100th birthday party will be held at a later date.
To share your memories of Lily or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Vicky was born on October 25, 1921 in Chesterfield, England. She was the middle of five children, and was only 10 when her mother, Charlotte Vickers, died. Her father, Fred Vickers, was a coal miner who struggled to support the family during the depression. At age 15, her father placed her in a local convent where she was trained to be a nurse's aide. That training served her well as she tended to bombing victims during the Battle of Britain and subsequent WWII events.
After the war, she relocated to the US as a nanny serving a family who moved to Arizona and then Massachusetts. In 1947, while listening to the radio in the back yard of the family residence, she met Allan Cross who asked to check on the score of the Red Sox/Yankees game. Allan was a WWII Army veteran and Massachusetts resident. They began dating and married in March 1950. Shortly after, they relocated to South Florida where Allan held several jobs before settling on a career with the Miami Herald.
In 1952, daughter Susan was born. The family enjoyed domestic and European travel until Allan's death in 2004. Susan and Vicky relocated to Lake Mary in 2005 to be near extended family. They attended Markham Woods Presbyterian Church since 2014 where she loved the worship and fellowship. Vicky had a long and fulfilling life, and she will be greatly missed. Heaven has received another member of the "Greatest Generation." May she rest in peace.
Vicky credited her longevity to 50+ years of playing tennis. She also enjoyed crafts, knitting newborn hats for Advent Health Hospital, and many visits to Disney each year.
Vicky is survived by daughter Susan Miedema (Herman); cherished grandson, Scott Montgomery (Yanipat Ekeiam); niece Ellie Lowe (Steve); and nephews Alan Vickers (Gaye), Michael Dunn (Pamela), and Peter Dunn. She was blessed with a large extended family who loved her including Karen Phillips Goodman (Randy) and children Daryl, Courtney and Morgan; Kristen Destout (Jay) and children Amy, Stephen, Jaycob and Ambria; Greg Montgomery and children Tyler and Madison; Lee Montgomery (Linda) and children Stacey and Rett; Nancy Schuler (Rob)and daughter Arianna Bailey; Kristen Legge (Devin) and Shelly Rosa, along with many great and great great nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She had a love for all the pets who came into her life, who we're sure are by her side now.
A celebration of life and 100th birthday party will be held at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lily M. Cross, please visit our flower store.
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