Lillian Croghan passed away on July 30, 2026. Due to her age and health issues, she developed heart and lung complications following abdominal surgery.

Lillian was born in the Philippines in 1938. There, she grew up with two brothers, one sister and loving parents who were both educated, and thus valued education. She eventually finished her studies at the University of the Philippines with a dual degree in Education and Library science. Her early career was spent as a teacher at UP Elementary. Eventually, she became a Librarian and continued her career at Ateneo de Manila until she immigrated to the United States.

Lillian immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s. She was soon joined by her three children (from a previous marriage) and her beloved husband Dick. The family settled in Albuquerque. Meanwhile, Lillian began her career of 22 years as the director of the media center at the Medical Center Library, school of Medicine at the University of New Mexico. There, she quickly became one of the most loved staff members by medical/nursing students and faculty members at the school of medicine. Every year, she was recognized by students and faculty as the most appreciated staff member who exceptionally served students and faculty alike. Lillian was known as the most knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful and gentle director who always had a positive and happy disposition. Students and faculty spoke of her ability to extend herself in order to help others. To many students, she became a loving mother figure, who constantly checked on them and gently reminded them about self-care. It was well known that Lillian would often offer students healthy snacks which she had quietly tucked away in the back of the center. She never wanted students to go hungry as they spent long and arduous hours studying. Similarly, staff members with whom she worked described Lillian as a consummate professional who was a kind, gentle, and loving coworker who never spoke an unkind word and treated everyone with respect. She was loved and respected by her coworkers. Eventually, Lillian retired after serving students and faculty at the school of medicine.

Lillian was an exceptional cook and her home with her husband Dick became the epicenter of wonderful holiday celebrations, birthdays, and endless gatherings. There, she continued to shower her family and friends with love by preparing the most wonderful meals. She always made sure that there were always leftovers to take home. Lillian took care of everyone through good food. Lillian also lovingly taught her children her love for cooking and was very proud of this gift! Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will forever remember her home as being filled with the most welcoming and loving environment filled with delicious, and abundant food.

Lillian was also an avid gardener. Her knowledge about plants of every kind was wide and diverse. After she retired, she spent countless hours nurturing her beautiful garden while she cultivated the most stunning plants. Gardening was truly her love, and she continued enjoying her garden time to the very end.

Over time, Lillian and Dick raised their three children together. They were very proud of the fact that each one of them pursued their education in areas that enabled them to serve others. Bettina became a Nurse Practitioner. Ramon served his community working with adolescent patients in behavioral health, and Sandy served as a teacher until her retirement. Liliian and Dick loved their grandchildren and eventually enjoyed being with their great grandchildren as well.

Unfortunately, Lillian suffered great loss in 2020 when her beloved husband and son passed six weeks apart. This time was extremely difficult for her but with resilience and determination, she carved a new life for herself. She enjoyed helping take care of her great-grandchildren and was an active participant in all their activities. She continued to spend plenty of time with her daughters, grandchildren and friends. She even traveled to several places and looked forward to visiting others. Lillian continued to be the beloved neighbor in her community and was consistently characterized as the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful and most generous person they had ever met. Her life continued to be full, filled with joy, love and kindness that she spread to everyone she knew. Lillian’s legacy of serving others through her kindness, generosity, and deep love will forever remain and be remembered by everyone who knew and loved her.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and her son, Ramon. She leaves behind a loving family, survived by her children, Bettina & Eliezer, and Sandy & John; her grandchildren, Angela, Jacqueline & Eric, Sonja, and Omar; and her great-grandchildren, Alexander, Lily, and Aria.

Services will be held on August 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at French Funerals & Cremations at 10500 Lomas Blvd, NE.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed via French Funeral’s website.

Your presence is what matters most to our family. In lieu of donations, flower tributes are welcome but not required.