OSWEGO, NY – Lillian M. “Lill” Krul, 89, a resident of 263 W. Seventh St., passed away on Sept. 16, 2009, at St. Luke Health Services.
Born in Oswego, she was the youngest daughter of the late Dominick and Josephine (Cutrone) Borzumate.
She had attended Oswego schools.
She was the owner and operator of Borzumate Grocery for 30 years and later Lill’s Erie Tavern for 31 years.
She enjoyed softball, horseback riding, bowling and gardening.
Lill was generous and genuine to all who knew her and lived life with her own unique style.
She was known to many locals and to the college community as the owner of Lill’s Tavern.
Her favorite quote was, “Laugh now, you’ll cry later.”
Her life was punctuated with deep faith, joyful smiles, laughter and tears.
Take life as it comes, expect the unexpected.
Her generation is considered the greatest; enduring tragic world events yet she remained steadfast in faith to God and her cherished family.
Surviving are two sons, James (Virginia) Krul of Connecticut and Francis (Irene) Krul of Oswego; a daughter, Christina Koch of California; five grandchildren, Christopher Krul, Cassandra Krul, Jrssica Lane, Justin Krul, Rose Clark; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Krul was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Frank Krul, on Jan. 2, 2009; a granddaughter, Reginna Lynne Krul, in 1978; two brothers, Chris and Corso Borzumate; and two sisters, Mary Magistro and Ann Kline.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. from St. Stephen’s Church.
Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Dowdle Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Human Concerns Center or the St. Stephen’s Memorial Fund.
The family would like to thank the “A” wing at St. Luke Health Service for there compassionate care.
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What a GRAND LADY LILL was! She was a great supporter of women’s softball and would always remember you by name whether you were a regular or just stopping bye! She loved life and life loved her! The corner of wets 7th st will never be the same! GOD love you Lill! You have given me alot of wonderful memories!
As an alum of SUNY Oswego (87) and often-regular patron of Lill’s Erie Tavern (Tables for Ladies), I know I am saddened by this news. Lill always had a smile on, made us laugh, and was an individual who helped us make special memories during our college life in Oswego. Godspeed Lill, and my sincere condolences to the family. She will indeed be missed.
I spent many an afternoon and evening in Lill’s Erie Tavern playing song on her great jukebox and playing pool on the tiny bar table in the back. What a warm, friendly, wonderful person she was, greeting us by name, knowing what you drank. Thank you Lill, I will always have fond memories of you and your place.
When i think of my years at Oswego, Lil’s Erie Tavern is as important as almost any of my classes. She was an unsung member of the theatre department and at our last reunion it was wonderful to go in ans see wall paintings we had made for her in the 70’s still still there and treasured. Lil was a wonderful lady and will always have a place in my heart. RIP Lil, you deserve it
Tables for Ladies was the sign that proudly hung in the window of Lil’s Erie Tavern, and Lil, indeed, a true lady, and is surely sitting at the best table in heaven right now. I shared many conversations, albeit under the influence, with Lil during my Oswego State days, and I treasured her wisdom and humor. My prayers are with Lil’s family at this time.
Lill was the best! As a member of the SUNY Oswego class of 1979, I and my cohorts spent many a Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at Lill’s. We kept in touch with her over the years and even visited with her about three years ago. The bar was closed for good at that point, but she opened it up just for our group of friends and we had one great last time there drinking, playing the jukebox and wearing our Lill’s t-shirts. She even brought out her dog Hugo, who was still with her, even though he had died several years before. She couldn’t part with him so she took him to a taxidermist and had him stuffed. That last night at Lill’s with my Class of ’79 friends, Lill and Hugo will forever be with us.
Lill,
I can not remember how many kegs I tapped for you in the basement. I can not remember how many times you gave me the key at 2:00AM and said “lock the door and don’t let anyone else in the bar” as you headed to the house across the lawn. I can’t remember how many freshmen we brought in through the front door and laid out on the grass through the back door. But I will always remember your voice and laugh, the first time we met, the last time I saw you and all the times in between, especially ’75 – ’79. Most of all I will always remember that “Lills” was the place of my first date with Nancy 1978 and we are still together all these years later. You are the best. I’m having a shot and a beer for you!!!!!! God Bless.
Joe
Many nights spent at Lill’s. Brought many a case up from the basement and fed that dog often. I still have my Lill’s mug with my name on it that spent two years on her bar shelf. Rest well and I peace.
Tom
On behalf of my entire family thank you for sharing your kind memories of my mother, Lill.
Her sadest regret was not having a final party night at her place for all her family of patrons.
Her health decline got the better of her but she spoke often of how she enjoyed her many customers who became true friends. It is very comforting to know she was held in such sincere esteem. My mother enjoyed her life at 7th & Erie . Thank you for your kindness and friendship to her.
God bless you
Frank Krul
Thank you for your loving memories of my Mom. I would often come into the bar after a five hour drive on a Friday night, around 11pm to visit for the weekend. Walking into the tavern and seeing all the students and my Mom having a really fun party, was always a fond memory for me. She told me stories and showed me photos she took of you, because of a birthday, a holiday, bowling winners and couples who celebrated everything. She was a super Mom. Where did she get that energy?…except from you and her good heart.
Tina
Nice to hear great things_ friend of the familys’
Spending time with Lill is something I’ll always cherish. She was such a special woman and some of the best moments of my college days took place at Lill’s Erie Tavern. It was like visiting with a favorite aunt who could always make you laugh and pass on her sage words of wisdom while pouring you a beer. Thanks Lill for making so many special memories for so many people. You will always be loved!