Published September 13, 2019
MALDEN — Lillian Grace Ronan, 61, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully in Malden on Thursday, September 5, 2019.
Lillian Grace was born in Malden on September 10, 1957, one of seven children of the late Leo J. Ronan and Lillian G. (MacMaster) Bardsley. She was raised in Malden where she graduated from Malden High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Salem State College.
Lillian worked for the Department of Children and Families as a dedicated social worker for nearly 40 years for the Commonwealth of Mass. She was a tireless advocate for children and committed to meeting the needs of families. Lillian worked passionately to assist children through the adoption process, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the child first and foremost. She retired in 2017 to spend more time with her family.
With a giving heart and generous spirit, she filled her time with helping others. She was a regular volunteer as a member of Good Shepherd Methodist Church in Malden. She also enjoyed missionary trips to the Philippines to help impoverished communities.
Known as Grace, Gracie, or “Gubbie” to her family, she was a devoted family woman with a love for doing arts and crafts and crochet. She used her talents to knit hats and blankets for children around the world, and for many years organized collecting Christmas toys for children in need. A selfless family woman, Gracie will be dearly missed.
Lillian Grace was the cherished mother of Morgan G. Ronan of Malden. Caring sister of Leo Ronan and his wife Laura of Taunton, Ralph Ronan of Malden, Paul Ronan and his wife Barbara of Hampstead, N.H., Shane Ronan and his wife Gaby of Lancaster, Ohio, Heather MacMaster and her wife ML of Las Vegas, and the late Kim Ronan.
Family and friends were invited to gather in honor of Grace’s life for her funeral service at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 577 Salem St., Malden celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 12. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
