Lillian P. Townsend

Lillian P. (Mulkern) Townsend, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Thomas Upham House in Medfield, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 25, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Graelish) Mulkern. Lillian was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1954. Following her graduation, Lillian took a position as a hairdresser.

Lillian married her beloved husband, Francis J. "Frank" Townsend, on June 25, 1955. Together they made their home in Norwood, where Lillian took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. Nine years later, Lillian and Frank settled into their home on Fisher Street in Walpole and in 2005, they headed south, to enjoy the warmth and sunshine in Ocala, Florida. After Frank passed away in 2007, Lillian returned to Massachusetts to be closer to her family. 

Throughout her life, Lillian enjoyed knitting for her family and friends, and volunteered at Norwood Hospital to knit shawls for the elderly and baby hats for the newborns. Some of her best memories were created when her family vacationed together on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Most of all, Lillian was devoted to her family. She loved being a mother to her three children and was delighted at the births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Beloved wife of the late Francis J. "Frank" Townsend.

Loving mother of Linda A. Gulla and her husband, Matt, of Norfolk, Paul F. Townsend and his wife, Judy, of Sharon, and Stephen J. Townsend and his partner, Kimberley James, of Walpole.

Cherished grandmother of Diana Bardol, Jessica D’Arcy, John Townsend, and James Townsend.

Sister of the late Mary Erickson, Teresa Wilkie, Anne Perry, Barbara Mokler, and Kay Cameron.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole on Monday, April 3, 2023 from 9 to 10 AM, prior to Lillian's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or download completed donor form and mail to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD  21741.