Lillian Alberta Mink of Rising Sun, MD, age 95¾, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 7, 2019. She was born in Kemblesville, Pennsylvania on April 18, 1923 to the late Harry Lee Swain and Anna (Hendrickson) Swain.

A “cowgirl” in her youth, Lillian grew up on a dairy farm. She graduated from Goldey-Beacom College and went to work for Worth Steel as a bookkeeper during World War II, where she was proud to be the fastest at processing payroll. Later, Lillian was a bookkeeper for her husband’s trucking business, and then a secretary at the University of Delaware. She was a longtime active member of Zion United Methodist Church.

A prolific writer, Lillian was a published poet, wrote about the family history in her memoirs, and frequently wrote letters to family and friends. Lillian was competitive her entire life, and would take great pleasure in playing card or board games. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with her husband in their RV, and would often spend the winter in Florida. Lillian was a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles, having watched nearly every pitch of every game for many years. She was a feisty and independent person with a wonderful sense of humor. Lillian was loved by everyone that was lucky enough to know her, was an inspiration to many, and will be dearly missed.

Lillian is survived by two sons: James E. Mink, Jr and his wife, Patricia, and Gary E. Mink and his wife, Rebecca; six grandchildren: Jennifer Kettelkamp (Scott), Eric Mink (Jen), Lauren Slater (Dwight), Ryan Mink (Kristin), Samuel Mink, and Simeon Mink; eight great-grandchildren: August Kettelkamp, Jonas Kettelkamp, Tyce Slater, Lillian Alice Mink, Mika Slater, Lucas Mink, Brooks Mink, and “Peanut” Mink, who is on the way; siblings: Ruth Underwood, Irene Redding, and Earl Swain; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Mink, Sr.; sister, Florence Taylor; and brother, Joseph Swain.

A visitation will be held 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2019 at R. T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911. A celebration of Lillian’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Zion United Methodist Church, 94 Old Zion Road, North East, Maryland 21901 where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Rosebank Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Zion United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund” and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.