Lillian Seward
June 18, 1933 - November 27, 2025
Lillian Seward, age 92, passed away on November 27, 2025 at Millcroft Nursing Facility.
Born in Newark, DE on June 18, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Robert C. and Marjorie (Rhoades) Greenplate. A native Delawarean, Lillian spent her time in Newark. She worked when most moms did not work, first for Mr. Gore at W. L. Gore and then at Chrysler for 25 years until she retired.
She enjoyed crafting and watching her cooking shows. Lillian was a member of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, and a 50 year member of Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Ladies Auxiliary.
In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, George; her oldest daughter, Barbara Eaton; youngest daughter, LuAnn Smith; and sons-in-law, George Eaton, and Steve Smith. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Lynn Grier (Frank); son, Mike Seward (Debby); grandson, Rick (with whom she shared a home); granddaughters, Kristen Grabowski (Evan), and Shelby Delcogin (Dan). She will be missed by the joys of her life, her great-grandchildren, Karoline and Evan Grabowski and Aiden Delcoglin.
The family would like to thank the staff at Millcroft Nursing Facility for their kindness and understanding taking care of Lillian.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will be held privately at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lillian’s name to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, 10 Old Newark, Road, Newark, DE 19713; or to Aetna Hose, Hook, and Ladder, PO Box 148, Newark, DE 19715 or online by clicking here.
Alice (Libby) Martin
Sorry for your loss! She will be missed. Remembering Christmas parties at her house growing up! Sending prayers your way!
Margaret Lindsey
My condolences to the Seward family. Lil was always such a special lady.
Leola Albright
Meet Lil at work at Chrysler and she got me involved at the Fire Co. We laughed and had great fun with each other. She will be greatly missed.
Sherrie Lyon
Aunt Lil will be missed! Her faithful love for me and my family was an encouragement and she was the one that helped me reunite with my dad’s side of my family! Forever grateful to her! Love you Aunt Lil!
Kim LaShomb
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Lil was one of my absolute favorites. May she rest in peace and give them h*ll in Heaven.
Diane Wharry, Aetna H. H. and L. Ladies Auxiliary
Lil will be missed. Many years ago, we had fun one firemen/lady’s convention one night when JoAnn threw Jim down on the bed when she got on top of him and everyone laughed so much because he was so surprised!! We always had fun at the Christmas parties at the firehouse many years ago. Please remember all the fun you had with her.
Karen Bukowski
Lynn and family… I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s (Fire Engine Lil/ Mommom’s) passing. She always held a special place in my heart. We always knew if she was around we were going to have a blast.
Love Karen
Renee McCormick
Lynn,
I’m so very sorry and sad hearing of Lils passing! She was always so full of life and laughter. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family.
Lyn Hamrick
I was so sad to hear of Lil’s passing. I would say hello and chat for a bit when visiting my dad. What a sweet lady! To all of her family, I am so sorry for your loss.