Obituary of Lillian M. Connaghan

Peabody - Lillian Marie Connaghan, beloved wife of the late Leo W. Connaghan, Sr., passed away peacefully in her sleep, Monday, June 30th 2020, at her home. She was 84 years young. Born on August 9th 1935 and raised in Lynn, Lillian was the daughter of the late Daniel Bryson and Mildred (Pierce) Bryson. On her 18th birthday, Lillian married her "one and only" true love, Leo, with whom she raised 4 sons and shared 49 years together until his passing in 2002. After moving to Peabody in 1965, Lillian balanced being a devoted Mother and Wife and being a dedicated clerical worker for many years for Rocky's Oil in Peabody, and later Glenmore Oil in Chelsea where she retired from in 2002. Lillian enjoyed everything life offered. Her favorite pastimes included reading books by James Patterson; listening to her Rod Stewart CDs; watching tv shows like The View and Big Brother; shopping at JC Penney, Macy's, and Kohl's as well as her weekly trips to Stop and Shop for groceries where everyone recognized her friendly face. She was an avid Patriot's fan and was crazy about Tom Brady. But Lillian's absolute favorite thing to do was to be with her family. Sunday dinners, family gatherings celebrating birthdays, graduations, weddings and holidays. Her family was her priority and passion; and to her family, she was and ALWAYS will be, the epitome of love. Lillian created a warm and inviting home, filled with laughter and awesome memories, as well as the scent of her famous brownies that everyone appreciated and loved. Her door was always open and family, friends and neighbors were always welcome to sit a while and enjoy a coffee or tea and some great conversation about anything and everything. Lillian was and incredible listener; never judged anyone. If someone needed advice, she gave it in her sensitive caring way. In troubled times, she would always say "This too shall pass." Her heart, compassion, generosity and kindness knew no bounds. Besides leaving a legacy of unconditional love and selflessness, she leaves many broken hearts of those who will always remember the amazing woman she was. Lillian was the Loving Mother of Leo W. Connaghan, Jr. and his life partner Karen E. Holmes of Salem; Stephen Connaghan and his wife Leisa of Georgetown; Scott Connaghan and his wife Deirdre of Peabody; and Rick Connaghan of Peabody. She was the Adoring Nana to Kaitlyn Culligan and her husband Corey of Danville, NH; Ashleigh Connaghan of Wilmington; Sydney Connaghan of Wilmington; Skyla Connaghan and her wife Liv of Peabody; Danni Connaghan of Peabody; Jack Connaghan of Peabody; and Emily Tsiopanas of Peabody. Also, her great-grandson, Finnegan Culligan of Danville, NH. Additionally, Lillian is survived by her brother, Joseph Bryson and his wife Joanne of Lynn and her sister-in- law Marie Keraghan of Seabrook, NH and several nieces and nephews who she was very close to. In her passing, Lillian will join her siblings Howard Bryson, Herbert Bryson, Milton Bryson, Roberta (Bryson) Pevear and Lucille (Bryson) DeLorenzo; A cousin Lillian M. Butler of S. Providence, RI; Her best friend Marion Buckley of Lynn; Dolores Devaney of Peabody who was the closest she ever got to having her own daughter; and her loving furry companion, Teto. Her funeral service will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service on Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Face masks are required and please be mindful of social distancing. Burial will be held privately at a later date.