Lillian I. Grove

Mrs. Lillian Isabelle Grove of Westborough passed away on January 23rd at the age of 91 at the Knollwood Nursing Center of Worcester, MA. Born in Boston, Grove grew up on a farm in Medway with her mother Lillian, father John and four siblings, Miriam (Rogers) Wilson, Aubrey Rogers, Charles Rogers, and John Rogers. All four of her siblings are deceased.

Known as, “The Blueberry Lady,” (or “Lil,”) Mrs. Grove lived at Denny Brook Farm in Westborough where she and her late husband Gilbert Grove, ran a pick-your-own blueberry business. They also promoted local agriculture and cheese making. Lil studied voice at the New England Conservatory, where she met her husband Gil. The two were passionate about music and were instrumental in bringing a production of Longfellow’s epic poem, The Songs of Hiawatha, also known as The Peace Pipe to fruition for Westborough’s 250th anniversary. When her husband Gil passed away in 1983, she stopped singing. Along with running the farm, Lil focused on many other activities. She was a Westborough institution, well-known for her charitable works and her lively and outgoing personality. She was also known as a wonderful cook, baker and seamstress.

Lillian Grove is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. A memorial service in her honor will be held on April 14, the Congregational Church of Westborough at 11am, 57 West Main Street (next to the library.) A luncheon will follow at the church. Those who will be attending the luncheon are asked to RSVP her nephew Roy Rogers at (508) 366-2363 by April 1st.