Lillian Caraballo

Lillian Arlene Caraballo (née Bress)
September 27, 1934 – January 13, 2026

Lillian Arlene Caraballo (née Bress) entered eternal rest Jan. 13, 2026, in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she lived for nearly 70 years. She was born Sept. 27, 1934, on a small family farm in Riegelwood, North Carolina. In 1978, she married Humberto “Bobby” Caraballo Diaz, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage.

The eldest of seven siblings, Lillian was part of the Great Migration generation, moving north in search of opportunity and building a life rooted in faith, family and service. She graduated from Armour High School and went on to dedicate more than 30 years to caring for others as a home health aide, continuing her work well into her 80s. She was previously employed with Meals on Wheels through Greater Springfield Senior Services, Bradlees Department Store, and served as a nutrition educator with 4-H.

Lillian was predeceased by her beloved son, Ronny Jackson; her parents, Willie Edward Bress and Lillie Bell Bress (Sykes); and her siblings James Bress, Hattie Lee Bress, Blanny Woods, Charles Bress and Ulysses Grant Bress. She is survived by her husband, Humberto “Bobby” Caraballo Diaz, and her sister, Josie Mae Ross, both of whom were by her side when she passed away; and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Lillian’s faith was central to her life. She was a longtime member of Holy Family Parish and later St. Michael’s Cathedral. She will be remembered for her faith, generosity, tireless work ethic and the many lives she touched through family and service.

Services and Burial

Visitation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Puerta Del Cielo Funeral Home in Springfield, Mass. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.