Lillian Janice Lopes

WINDHAM – Lillian Janice Lopes, daughter of Emma and Theodore Brown, beloved mother, dedicated professional, and compassionate volunteer, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Born on Oct. 2, 1935, in Bridgton, Lillian’s life was defined by resilience, service, and love.

Lillian is survived by her cherished children, stepchildren, and their families, Stephen Sabasteanski and his wife Karen of Windham, Peter Sabasteanski of San Bernardino, Calif., Nadine Marchand and her wife Deborah Stahler of Farmington, and Lora Marchand and her husband Mark Nielsen of Corinth, Vt.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Lopes of Scarborough; his sons Larry Lopes of Scarborough, and Arthur Lopes of Albuquerque, N.M., and her daughter, Sheralee Friedrich of Reno, Nev.

Lillian earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine and, at the age of 52, completed her Master of Social Work degree at Boston University. She began her career at Sweetser Children’s Home, working in a residential program for boys and later as a counselor in its first day-treatment program in Windham. She subsequently practiced with Androscoggin Counseling Services in Lewiston before founding Windham Counseling Services. Her dedication to helping others earned her Community Health Services’ Compassionate Caregiver of the Year award and, in 2003, recognition as Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. She concluded her career as Clinical Director of Foster Family Connections.

Lillian’s commitment to service extended well beyond her profession. Through the Portland chapter of the American Red Cross, she served as Coordinator of Mental Health Services and later as Maine’s mental health lead. She trained and deployed as a national disaster responder, taught Disaster Services Mental Health courses and participated in relief efforts throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Her final Red Cross assignment brought her to New York City, N.Y. as one of the first national responders following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. During her three-week deployment, she served in multiple capacities at Ground Zero.

Lillian will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A burial service will be held at Mayberry Cemetery in Windham on June 26, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at Rustler’s Steak House.