Obituary of Lillian S. Koski

Lillian Koski, age 93, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 20, 2018. Lillian was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 21, 1924 to her Finnish parents, Toivo and Laura Honka. Lillian married Lauri Koski on September 23, 1942 in Elkton, MD a short time after meeting in a Finnish dance hall in the Bronx, NY. Lillian dreamed of having a baseball team of boys and their family grew to be blessed with one daughter and six boys. Lillian was passionate about life and lived hers to the fullest. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Lillian was a long-time member of the Home Bureau, an avid bowler and she participated in the Chemung County Senior Games medaling in many events such as bocce, discus and bowling. She loved to spend her time crafting and playing cards. She enjoyed working at the West Hill Voting Booth for many years. Even at the age of 93, she was an active volunteer at Riverside Church Food Pantry. A true baseball fan, Lillian never missed a NY Yankees game and she was a season ticket holder for the Elmira Pioneers. Her cowbell was always heard as she cheered on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their sporting events. Lillian is predeceased by her husband Lauri Koski, her sons Kenneth Koski, Lauri "Punkin" Koski, and an infant son. She is survived by her daughter Sandra Ferguson of Orange Beach, AL, sons Eugene (Michele) Koski of Leesburg, FL, David (Terri) Koski of Elmira, NY, Raymond (Sharon) Koski of Elmira, NY, and daughter-in-law Patricia (Kenneth) Koski of Elmira, NY; grandchildren Kim (Tom) Blake, Tammy (Doug) Warren, Greg Koski, Tim Koski, Kevin Koski, Eric (Jill) Koski, Matthew (Fallon) Koski, Heather (Jim) Eden, Gregory Redder, Courtney (Steve) Shuster, and Rachael Bisbo; eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. At Lillian's request, her life will be celebrated with a private family gathering. Lillian touched the heart of all that knew her. She taught us all how to love, to live every day to the fullest, and to cherish family. She will be remembered as a woman who knew how to give a real hug and enjoy a good dance. Lillian lived.