Lillian Rose (Catalanello) Walla, 100, of Stamford, CT passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2023 with her family by her side. Lillian was born on July 17, 1922 in Merrick, NY. She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Rose (Maggiore) Catalanello and by her husband Albert (Al) Anton Walla. Lillian lived most of her life in Stamford, CT.

Lillian graduated from St Mary’s School of Nursing. She worked at Halloran General Hospital as the Charge Nurse of Respiratory Diseases, Contagious Ward in Staten Island. She then joined the Army Nurse Corp when she turned 21 as a First Lieutenant. Lillian was stationed at Delta Base, Aix-en-Provence, France until the end of WWII. She worked at the General Hospital as the General Nurse in care of sick and wounded American military personnel. She was in-charge of the barracks and also took care of sick and wounded German prisoners. This is where she met her future husband, Al, from Clarkson, NE.

Lillian and Al started married life in Lincoln, NE and she worked in the premature nursery at St Elizabeth’s Hospital before she started a family. When all her children were in school Lillian started to take classes at the University of Delaware where she excelled. After moving to Stamford, volunteering became Lillian’s mission in life. Lillian volunteered in the canteen at the Stamford Chapter Red Cross Bloodmobile where she volunteered until Covid hit. Lillian was active in making sandwiches for Stamford Soup Kitchens. She also committed to prepare a large meal monthly for many years. Lillian volunteered at polling places in Stamford for years. She helped the Stamford Samurai judo club in tournaments and would drive participants to tournaments. She volunteered at the NYAC Judo Club as a timer at tournaments. Lillian loved sharing the vegetables from Al’s rather large garden with her family and neighbors. She and Al traveled the country and would follow their children in their athletic events which included swimming events at the World Games for the Deaf, judo tournaments and the Peace Corps. When she wasn’t volunteering or traveling after her children, she was a member of the local woman’s bowling league. She frequently was the top scorer for her team.

Lillian was frequently recognized for her military service as a Army Nurse during WWII. She gave presentations to the local schools in Stamford and then conducted question and answers for the students. She was the Grand Marshall of the Stamford Memorial Day Parade where she led the parade while riding in a jeep. She belonged to the local VFW; she was recognized by France when they awarded her the French Legion of Honor metal.

Lillian and Al also bought a home away from home and loved spending time in St Augustine Beach. This was their happy place.

Lillian is predeceased by her brother, Bernard (Ben) Catalanello. She is survived by her children Rosemary (John Prettyman), Janice Stiffler, Albert (Jill Hartman), Nancy (Del Wynne), and John (Lisa Muran Walla). Lillian was a loving Grandmother to her seven grandchildren Juliann, Adam, Aaron, Joseph, Abigail, Jack and Christopher, and six great-grandchildren Derek, Reagan Rose, Ethan, Riley, Camden and Hartlie Lillian. She also has many Godchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 23 at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler, Stamford, Ct. A Graveside Service follows at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 124 Rimmon Road, Stamford, Ct. Friends may call at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St, Stamford, Ct 06905 on Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Memorial donations may be made to Father Thomas Coughlin, OP Miss, Mark Seven DePaul House of Studies, Inc. 220 Hughley Lane, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.