Helen (Murphy) Lilly

December 10, 1926 - June 20, 2025

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Obituary for Helen (Murphy) Lilly

Helen (Murphy) Lilly, of Dorchester, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Friday June 20, 2025.

Beloved wife of the late Leonard X. Lilly. Loving mother of Janet M. Higgins, Brian X. Lilly, Kevin J. Lilly, Diane M. Lilly, Leonard J. Lilly and Michael P. Lilly. Grandmother of Mark Lilly and Jocelyn M. Lilly and great-grandmother of Chloe Lilly. Sister of the late John Joseph Murphy, Josephine Connelly and Ann Stasz.

Helen was a lifelong resident of Dorchester. She retired (age 75) from the Boston Public Schools. She was the manager of the Murphy School cafeteria for many decades. Helen was also an active member of the Catholic Daughters of Boston. She enjoyed both their local gatherings as well as their getaways to the Cape Cod Irish Village. Helen loved to travel and enjoyed several trips to Ireland with her daughters. She also very much enjoyed her family cruises, of which there were many.

Helen was fun loving and had a great sense of humor. At a very advanced age she attempted to take tin whistle lessons with Janet, Diane and our cousins. The results of that effort made for many funny stories. Holidays were a special time in Helen’s house surrounded by family and welcoming of friends and neighbors who would always stop by. Helen was deeply impacted by the events that shaped her generation. She leaves behind a legacy of love of family, duty, honor, hard work and frugality.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, Friday June 27 at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Thursday 4-8 PM. Interment Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Services

26 Jun

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services- DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS 1140 Washington Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
27 Jun

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
27 Jun

Burial

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Cedar Grove Cemetery 920 Adams Street Dorchester Center, MA 02124 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Joseph Crowley planted 10 trees in memory of Helen (Murphy) Lilly . - June 26, 2025

Condolences

  • June 27, 2025

    JIm McDavitt

    We offer sincere condolences to the family of Helen Lilly. Her life provides evidence not only of having and raising a great family concerned for others, but also of being a community leader that has made her Dorchester a virtual Camelot! May she rest in peace here, and may she enjoy a well-deserved place in Heaven. -- The Hemenway Park Athletic Club

  • June 25, 2025

    Joe Mahoney

    I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Lilly, an outstanding representative of Boston's Greatest Generation. Extending deepest sympathies to all members of her family and her friends. - Joe Mahoney

  • June 25, 2025

    Robert & Pauline Spinney

    So sorry for your loss , Condolences Lilly Family

  • June 25, 2025

    Michael Cowin

    I have such wonderful and happy memories of your mom and entire family. I'm so very sorry for your loss and hope you always remember the good times. Mike Cowin

  • June 23, 2025

    Jean Hunt

    Mrs. Lilly was a wonder as a neighbor, and a role model as a great mother for me and others. I so enjoyed visiting her to say hello. She was ahead of time promoting exercise. It was great to see her walking Popes Hill daily. May she RIP. Sincere sympathy, Jean and Jim Hunt

  • June 22, 2025

    Patricia Keenan

    Janet and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Such sad news. I will keep you all in my prayers. Tricia Clougherty