Celebrating and honoring Lillian R. Kirchner and her life of 101 years, who passed away on December 19, 2023 and is now with our Lord. We want to remember how amazing and special she was!

A loving wife to Mervin J. Kirchner for 49 years. They enjoyed working together on many projects. They built a home in the San Francisco Bay Area, created a beautiful yard with ample play areas for their 3 children, Kathy, Nancy, and Connie. For Lillian, helping to draw up plans for their house, furnishing it (upholstering furniture and sewing curtain), and landscaping their yard showed her creative side. Summer days would find her canning apricots and sewing clothes for her children when they were young. She loved Sunday picnics and insisted on healthy foods for her family. What’s for dessert? ….fresh fruit! Truly, an American patriot! She loved our country and always had an American flag flying by her front door.

A leader, indeed she was! She was a Campfire and 4-H leader as well a 4-H camp Activities Director when her children were involved in these groups. She oversaw youth volunteers as they served the community. Her leadership and hard work were evident in all of her careers—of a Dietitian, a Nutrition Educator and a Elementary Special Education Teacher. Lillian also had a role in Diet/Heart Research examining the relationship between diet and heart disease.

Helping others-her family, her neighbors, her community and in her careers were a common value throughout her life. After moving with her husband and grandson, Jerry, to the Grass Valley/Auburn area Lillian became active in the community. First belonging to the Sierra Nevada Hospital Auxiliary and then the AAUW (American Association of University Women). She played Bridge with friends and attended The Baptist Church. Both she and her husband were very involved in her grandson’s life.

Lillian so loved and took delight in her immediate family as well as her extended family. Recently she was able to meet her 6 month old great grandson, Jack. He smiled and laughed during the whole visit and so did she. Hard working and strong, respected and loved by many friends, neighbors, caregivers and family. People who knew her appreciated her sense of humor, intellect and her genuine interest in other people.

When several years ago she was asked about her life, she stated,” I can’t think of a time in my life when I didn’t enjoy where I was, the people, the activities, and the surroundings. I did have a wonderful life. I was so lucky!” How do you want to be remembered, she was asked, “remember me in any beautiful positive way!!” Yes, we will remember you, forever, in so many beautiful ways our lively and lovely Mom, Nana, and Great Grandma!

Lillian is survived by her 2 daughters: Nancy Kirchner and Connie and husband Jerry Snarr, her grandson, Jerry Lynch and 4 granddaughters, Gina Kirchner, Christi and her husband Luke Hamilton and son, Jack, Sadie and her husband, Shandy Hunter and Megan Kirchner. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Mervin J. Kirchner and daughter, Kathy Turney. Her parents, Joe and Verna Geer and her 5 siblings.

A private service for Lillian will be arranged by Hooper and Weaver Mortuary, Nevada City, CA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice if you wish.