Lillian Hansen Vaccarello, 103

Lillian Vaccarello (maiden name Hansen) passed away peacefully in Falmouth, on the early morning of May 10, 2025, at age 103. She was born in Acton on July 13, 1921, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth Hansen, who were immigrants from Norway. She was the sibling of four sisters Edith, Liz, Mula, and Tema; and a brother Frank, who all preceded her in death. She married Vinny Vaccarello in 1940 and had four children — Janet (Gustafson), Diane (Richardson), Skip, and Rick, raising them in Waltham. In addition to Waltham, she lived in Acton; on Cape Cod; in Ruskin, Florida; and in a lake home on Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, which had a special place in her heart.

Lillian experienced a significant event on Palm Sunday at age 13 that changed the trajectory of her life. While walking on a train track bridge over a river in Acton, a train approached her. She tripped as she tried to get off the bridge. As the train barreled toward her, she lowered herself, hanging on to a wooden tie as the train passed within inches of her fingers. She was saved by a boy who saw her hanging from the bridge. She said he was like an angel God had sent, and, “I promised God that I would live a life helping other people.”

She kept her promise, lovingly raising a family of four, teaching at Green Acres Nursery School in Waltham, for 19 years, and serving as the school’s assistant director for two years before her retirement. In addition, she served as a volunteer for various groups, including hospice, Meals-on-Wheels, Girl Scouts, Little League, the Women’s Club, Garden Club, and the Council for Aging in Acton. For years, she also helped at her church’s thrift shop, where the money raised went to help the disadvantaged in the community.

At the Council for Aging, she and her sister, Tema, formed a tambourine group of 80- and 90-year-olds who performed at schools and nursing homes. A highlight was being invited to perform on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

She is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She was loved by all.

A memorial service will be announced at a later time.