Lillian Marie Raschio

Lillian Marie Raschio passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 98 in Milwaukie, Oregon. Best known for her easy smile, sparkling eyes, and kind and funny personality, she was always a noticeable presence. She was a special person who loved being with her family and friends. Being a true Italian, she loved to cook and created a family tradition of making homemade Raviolis and Christmas cookies every year.

Born on March 1, 1925, in Southeast Portland, Oregon to Michael and Caterina Mantia, she grew up with her siblings Tony, Charlie and Rudy. Her parents immigrated from Sicily in the early years of the 20th Century. She attended Commerce High School (now Cleveland High School) in the 1940s. On May 26, 1946, she married the love of her life Pete Raschio, who was her childhood sweetheart and friend that lived across the street.

In Portland, they continued to lay down their roots and create a life together on the same street she and her husband grew up on, which included several of her other family members who lived nearby on that street. Bringing their two children into this world (Michael and Katherine) and having a family of their own was most precious to them. Lillian and her husband were members of the 20/20 Italian Club where she and Pete enjoyed dancing and where she met many of her lifelong friends. She was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Phillip Neri church for many years and later in life a member of St. John the Baptist Church.

Everyone who knew Lillian knew how much she loved to play games with her friends; her favorites being card games, Bingo and Yahtzee. She always seemed to have luck on her side, oftentimes winning with a big smile on her face! Another favorite pastime of hers was Needlepoint. Lillian would sew beautiful works of art which she would give as cherished gifts to her friends and family. Gardening, both flowers and produce, was a way of life for Lillian, which had been learned and embedded into her enjoyment of life by her parents. Also bringing her joy for many years, was her dog Bobo, who was fed like a king, a favorite family memory which still brings about laughter and fun stories.

Lillian’s proudest accomplishment is the legacy leaves as the role of Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She is survived by her loving daughter, Katherine Schomaker; son-in-law, Mark Schomaker; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Raschio. Lillian’s grandchildren, Peter Raschio, Charlene Raschio-Willett, and Dianna McGinnis were truly the Apple of her Eye, spending cherished time with her throughout their lives and in her last moments. Lillian was also very close to her grandchildren’s spouses Liz Raschio and Mike McGinnis. She adored all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly and is also survived by step-grandchildren, Amy Johnson and Carrie Hagel. She was a great-grandmother to Nathan, Kevin, Patrick, and Elena Raschio; and step-great-grandchildren, Stella and Callen Johnson, and John and Grace Schroeder. She was also very close to her many nieces and nephews and their children, whom she loved very much. Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter Raschio in 1970; and her dear son, Michael Raschio in 2021.

The family would like to express gratitude to the amazing caregivers, staff, friends, and best friend, Elsie of the Royalton Place in Milwaukie, Oregon for making Lillian's final years of life so joyful.

Her memory and the special moments she created will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

A Rosary, 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass, 10:00 a.m. will be held for Lillian Raschio, on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Oregon. A light lunch will be provided in the Parish center of the church following the Mass.