Lillian Carol Friou

In Loving Memory of Lillian Carol Friou

Lillian Carol Friou, cherished sister and aunt, died on October 6, 2023, at 71. She is survived by loving nieces Jennifer, Lisa, Rebecca, Marie, Sondra, Amanda, nephew Ben, dearest brothers Ken and George, and her grand-nieces and nephews.

Lillian was born on June 9, 1952, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to devoted parents Kenneth and Boo (Ollie Ruth). In her early years, she was known for her love of learning and travel. After graduating from Madison West High School, Lillian went on to earn both Bachelors and Masters degrees in education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a major in French and a minor in Spanish. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, ultimately receiving a Fulbright Fellowship to teach in France. Throughout her life, her time in Europe remained one of her most proud and joyful memories - from galivanting through Paris to biking across Denmark.

Lillian Carol was a French teacher and an avid lover of French music and films; she also loved folk music, shopping, cooking shows, milkshakes, and sitting out in the sun. She affectionately called her beloved family members by their first AND middle names. Her love of birthdays and holidays was unmatched; she was thrilled at any occasion she could find to celebrate and shower her loved ones with cards and gifts. She was gentle, had humility and a good sense of humor. She was forgiving of others.  

She taught English as a second language for years. Her extended-term work enabled Hmong refugees from the Vietnam War to learn English and adapt to Western society.

For as long as she could travel, she would rather be nowhere than at her family's cabin in Maine and, even better, swimming in her beloved ocean.  

Lillian was part of the Madison Friends Meeting community for 25 years and became a member in 2019. She enjoyed spending time with the children during community events. Lillian Carol Friou's legacy of love, kindness, and celebration will live on in the hearts and minds of those who were blessed to know her. 

Lillian's life will be celebrated on Sunday, October 15, 2023, between 4:00 and 6:30 PM at the Madison Friends Meeting, 1704 Roberts Court, Madison, Wisconsin 53711. Family and friends are invited to join together to remember her generous soul and all the gifts she shared.

Please share your memories of Lillian by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434