Lillian “Lili” E. Travaglini, age 98, a lifetime resident of Framingham, MA, passed away peacefully on September 29th at home with loved ones. She was born to parents Guido “Jack” and Michalena “Lena” Oliva and had a happy childhood growing up with her sister Pearl. She married John J. Travaglini of Framingham, and they raised their five children there.
Lillian was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She dedicated her life to teaching and helping others. She worked as an ESL teacher at the Multi-Language Center while earning a BA in Liberal Arts at Framingham State University. Afterward, she taught math at the Center of Teaching & Learning of Mathematics, where she also served as Assistant Director. She was a talk show host on radio and television for many years. On her cable TV show, “Learning Center,” she would interview guests such as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Governor Deval Patrick about their careers, hobbies, or fields of study that she thought would interest her audience.
Lili was passionate about all forms of artistic expression and a writer and painter. She was an avid reader with a lifelong interest in learning and self-improvement, taking courses in holistic health, voice, yoga, and even belly dancing. Later in life, she returned to school and earned a Master’s in Education from Cambridge College, where she worked for over a decade. In retirement, she continued tutoring local children, hosting her TV show, and, after the passing of her sister Pearl, continued producing a local radio program, “The Italian Hour,” on WSRO, started by their father more than 65 years ago. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support touched the lives of many, and all who loved her will miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lena Oliva, her daughter, Mary Ann, and her sister, Pearl Cristofori. She is survived by her daughter Janis Byers of West Yarmouth, son John J. Travaglini Jr. MD and his wife Kristine of Seattle, daughter Denise Sabino of Ashland, and son Michael Travaglini and his husband Dana Hoare of Boston. She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and many friends.
Visiting hours will be Friday, Oct 4th, 4-7 p.m. at Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St, Framingham, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct 5th, at 10 AM at St. George Church, 74 School St., Framingham. Burial will follow in St. Tarcisius Cemetery, Framingham.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com
McCarthy McKinney Lawler Funeral Home