Lilia A. (Guiang) Langford

Lilia A. "Lillie" Langford, a cherished beacon of love and resilience, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 85 in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Born on July 19, 1939, in Manila, Philippines, Lillie's journey brought her from her vibrant hometown to a life full of love, service, and community in the United States in 1964.

Lillie was the beloved wife of the late James Langford of Watervliet, NY and was a loving mother to her daughter Christine (Langford) Callahan, who is married to Mark Callahan of Topsfield, MA. Lillie's legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Hannah, Luke, and Sarah Callahan, who will miss her deeply. She is survived by her brother, Oscar Guiang of Carteret, NJ, and "Tita Lilia" was a treasured aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. Lillie was predeceased by her father, Potenciano Guiang, her mother, Araceli Alicdan Guiang, and her brothers, Roberto and Ernesto.

Lillie earned bachelor's degrees in nutrition and business administration at Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines before furthering her education at the College of St Rose in Troy, NY.  Her academic achievements laid the foundation for a remarkable career that spanned 46 years at the Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH) where she served as a Clinical Registered Dietitian across the Oncology, Cardiology, and Pediatrics departments before becoming the Nutrition Care Supervisor for the AIDS Program. Given her leadership, influence and advocacy, Lillie served on the Board of Directors at AMCH.  Her colleagues, students and patients alike revered Lillie for her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.  Lillie was a pioneer in the early days of the AIDS epidemic when nutrition was critical for the health of these patients.  Fondly known as "The Ambassador of the AIDS Program", Lillie coordinated home delivered meals and was heavily involved in supporting the Pediatric AIDS program to ensure everyone was fed and cared for.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lillie was a woman of diverse interests and passions. She was an avid Boston Celtics fan, enjoyed country line dancing, working out with the girls at Curves and loved to entertain at her home and poolside. Lillie was a fundraising dynamo across many worthy causes.  Her leadership and dedication to her community were evident through her role as President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Lillie's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she served her Catholic church community of St. Brigid's Parish and later Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Watervliet.  She was a founding member of the Rosary Society and a Eucharistic Minister, providing comfort and spiritual nourishment to many.  Lillie had a great admiration and love for the Blessed Mother Mary and hosted many rosary rallies and crowning ceremonies in Mary's honor.  In 2011, she received the "Mother Teresa Award" for her widespread works of mercy.

Because Lillie knew what it meant to take care of patients with compassion and respect, she was grateful for the tremendous care and dedication of the extended team at Masconomet HealthCare and Harborside Hospice.

Lillie's life will be celebrated in a manner that honors the profound impact she had on her community and loved ones. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, James, at St Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY.  As God has now called her home, may her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her spirit continue to guide us in life's journey.

Visitation in Middleton, MA on Monday from 5:15 - 7:15pm to which all are kindly invited .

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Lilia's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital  or to Harborside Hospice, 241 Winter St.,  Suite 201, PO Box 930, Haverhill, MA 01831 : 

see the links below

Other Services in NY on May 21, 2025 - see info below :