Lillian "Betty" (Hicking) Lea It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Lillian "Betty" Lea, 84, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Albert N. Lea Sr. Mom passed away peacefully on April 29, 2017 in hospice at Manchester Manor. Mom was born in Bolton on November 11, 1932, daughter of the late Charles O. and Sarah (Doolittle) Hicking. She was the youngest of 13 children. She was raised in Coventry and moved to Manchester where she married Dad. Mom is survived by her loving family; two sons, Albert N. Lea Jr and his wife, Judy Lea and Joseph F. Lea, both of Manchester; three grandchildren, Carrie Moore, Theresa Okun and her husband Nic, and James Moore Jr and his wife Amanda; and ten great grandchildren, Zachary Chrznowski, Jacob Chrznowski, Sadie Ferrence, Jefferey Ferrence, Tyler Okun, Natalie Okun, Erika Moore, Ciera Moore, Shane Moore, and Desmond Moore. Mom and Dad were married on April 23, 1956. They spent 40 years together before Dad passed and just a few days before her passing, she recounted that it would have been 61 years. She made a home for her husband and two sons in Manchester and became a fixture in town as she worked in the family store, Lea's Market. She later went on to run Lea Family Properties after Dad's death and busied herself with caring for her family and many others who came into her life. She loved to bake and always had something special for anyone who came by the house, did work for her or who she befriended. She never ceased to fulfill special requests for cakes, brownies and muffins. Later in life when she couldn't bake as much she watched the Food Network and enjoyed the baking of others. She also loved to gamble and took many trips to Las Vegas, Atlantic City and the Connecticut Casinos. Her winnings were not just financial as she also treasured the time with family and friends who accompanied her on her gambling trips. We deeply appreciate all the doctors, nurses, and care givers with whom she entrusted her health throughout the years, especially Vernon VNA and the staff at Manchester Manor who provided care, comfort, and love during her stays there. Mom, thank you for the love, caring and kindness you gave so freely throughout your life. It is unimaginable to think of a day without you but we take solace in that you will be with Dad and all those you loved who passed before you. In honor of her last request, there will be a private family funeral and burial. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.