Lillian M. Tanguay

Lillian M. Tanguay (Erskine), 79, of Lisbon, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on December 9, 1946, Lillian was the daughter of the late Robert Erskine Sr. and Agnes Mary (Smith) Erskine. She was a proud lifelong Manchester native in her early years and graduated from Manchester Memorial High School in 1964. Lillian often fondly recalled that she was a member of the first official freshman class when the school was newly built, and she remained a proud “Memorial Crusader” throughout her life.

Raised in a traditional Scottish family, Lillian grew up embracing her heritage, learning traditional Scottish dances, and carrying forward a strong sense of family, faith, and cultural pride that would define her life.

During her husband’s military service, Lillian worked in the motor pool at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (Merritt Field) while he was stationed at Parris Island, demonstrating early on her independence, adaptability, and strong work ethic. She later dedicated more than twenty years of service to the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals. There, she played a vital role in modernizing office operations, overseeing the transition from DOS-based systems to Windows platforms and managing office mainframes. Her technical aptitude, reliability, and steady leadership earned her numerous recognitions for her hard work and commitment. She retired in 2002 after a respected career in public service.

Above all, Lillian was devoted to her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Russell R. Tanguay, who predeceased her in 2013. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and unwavering support for their children and grandchildren. Lillian was a proud and loving mother to Kathy (Tanguay) MacArthur, Arthur Tanguay and his wife Tricia, and Danny Tanguay and his wife Lisa. She leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Tara Cunningham and Kennan MacArthur, and six treasured great-grandchildren who brought immense joy and light into her later years. She is also survived by her sisters, MaryEllen Wakeman and Catherine Williams, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Robert Erskine Jr.

Lillian’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church and, for a time, served as an assigned adorer in the Adoration Chapel before relocating. Her quiet devotion, compassionate heart, and cheerful spirit were evident to all who knew her.

In her free time, Lillian found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved working on jigsaw puzzles, creating traditional quilts, exploring digital art, playing games, taking walks, and most of all, spending time with her family. She had a generous and nurturing spirit and was often heard reassuring those she loved with her familiar words: “No need to worry or feel guilty, I have it covered for everyone!” That phrase perfectly captured her compassionate, cheerful, and trusting nature. She was happiest when caring for others and ensuring that everyone around her felt supported.

A celebration of Lillian’s life will be scheduled at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to North Shore Animal League America, a cause close to her heart.

Lillian will be remembered for her steadfast love, her faith, her resilience, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the family she so dearly loved and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and quiet strength.