Lilyan Cossean

It is with great sadness and much love that the family announces the passing of lifelong Rossville resident Lilyan J. Cossean, 88, on Saturday September 5th 2020.

She was born Lilyan Schmardel, and was known to all as "Janet". She enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the Rossville waterfront where at an early age she developed a love of nature and wildlife and relished in the telling of how she would forage for wild watercress and catch bushels of crabs to provide her family with dinner.

She graduated from Tottenville High School in 1949.

In 1951 she married neighborhood boy Donald Cossean and then raised their family in their home community.  When her children were grown she entered the work force and was employed by the former Page Printing Company and then the former Manufacturers Hanover Trust.  She retired in 1987.

Janet was an active parishioner of St. Joseph's RC Church for over 75 years and was devoted to her fellow churchgoers.   She had a passion and talent for knitting and generously created prized heirloom sweaters, blankets and Christmas stockings.  Janet enjoyed caring for her cats and the many wild animals in her own backyard.  Above all, she considered her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren to be her greatest treasures in life.

She is survived by her sister, Harriet Foder; her three sons and their spouses, Donald (Carol) ,Thomas (Peggy), Brian (Liz) ; her five grandchildren, Peggy Joan, Laura, Kerri, Donnie and Jacquelyn; and her six great-grandchildren, Noah, Julian, Dylan, Ryan, Soren and Harper.

Her husband of 64 years, Donald died in 2015 and she was also preceded in death by her son, Anton and her grandson, Scott.

A visitation will be held at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home in Tottenville on Wednesday, September 9th between the hours of 2-4pm and 7-9pm.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Rossville on Thursday, September 10th at 10am.

Memorial Donations may be made in Janet's name to St.Joseph's RC Church.

The family wishes to convey their gratitude to the staff of  Addeo House for their care and compassion.