Lillian Ruth Dennis

Lillian Ruth (Flynn) Dennis, age 89, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at her home in Norwood, Massachusetts.  Born in Norwood on January 13, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Ruth Elizabeth (Welsh) Flynn and Francis Leo Flynn.  Lillian was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where she attended Walpole High School and obtained her GED in 1982 which she was extremely proud to receive. 

Lillian took a position with the Bell/New England Telephone Company, working as a switchboard operator. She worked for L&M Sheet Metal in Canton and was lifelong friends with the owners. Lillian also worked for Bird Machine as an operator and receptionist. Lillian's career later brought her to Norwood Hospital, where she took a position as a switchboard operator in the early 1980s. She remained with the Hospital for several years, taking a transfer to become a unit secretary before her retirement.

In her spare time, Lillian enjoyed expressing herself through various creative mediums. She loved working with pencils and watercolors to create beautiful paintings, often turning them into cards to send to her family and friends. Being a skilled poet, Lillian ensured the insides of her cards were as beautiful as the art on the outside, seeking out the perfect words to express her thoughts. In addition to creating her own works of art, Lillian enjoyed the opportunity to appreciate the creative work of others, often tuning her radio to bring the sounds of her favorite artists into her home. While she loved many of the "Oldies" songs, she had a special place in her heart for classic country music.

More than anything, Lillian was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother to her son, Michael, and welcomed her daughter-in-law, Kathy, with open arms. Lillian was delighted to watch her family grow, earning the title of "Mimi" when her grandsons, Jonathan and Michael, were born. Her family tree continued to grow, as Mimi became a Great Mimi, welcoming her four great grandchildren into the world. While Lillian saw the future of her family, she enjoyed finding the roots of the family tree, spending countless hours researching her ancestors and discovering where she came from.

Loving mother of Michael Paul Thornhill of Norwood. Cherished Mimi of Jonathan Thornhill of Norwood and Michael Thornhill of Watertown; and Great Mimi of Baylie Thornhill, Logan Thornhill, Finn Thornhill, and Basil Plourde. Mother-in-law of Kathleen Shannon of Norwood.
Sister of James Flynn of Worcester, William (Lynn) Flynn of Brownfield, Maine. Sister of the late Eileen (Leon) Bushong, the late Robert (Sheila) Flynn, and the late Charles Flynn. Sister-in-law of Kathleen Pepin of Foxboro and the late Nancy Flynn of Worcester. Lillian also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street in East Walpole on Friday January 5, 2023 at 10:30 am. Interment will take place at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lillian's name may be made to the Stone House, One Westminster Ave, Roxbury, MA 02119 or by visiting https://www.stonehouseinc.org

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.