Lillian M. (Whalley) Donaghy Obituary (2021)

PALM COAST, FL... Lillian M. Donaghy, 101, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, June 25, 2021 with family by her side. Her husband of 54 years, John W. Donaghy, died in 2013. She leaves two children: Professor Alan D. Gifford, of South Dartmouth, MA and his ex-wife Marlene of Chester, CT; Don C. Gifford, and his wife, Joyce of Palm Coast, FL. She leaves behind granddaughter, Kimberly and husband Matt Keaney, of Holden, MA; granddaughter, Beth and her husband Mike Almeida of Palm Coast, FL; grandson, Kent Gifford and his wife Sara Gifford of LaVerne, CA. She also leaves her great-grandchildren: Haley Gifford; Connor, Aidan and Emma Keaney; Ethan and Arianna Almeida. She was predeceased by her grandson Michael Gifford. Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of Alexander and Hannah Whalley, she was a member of the South Baptist Church and a long-time resident of the Sol-E-Mar community of South Dartmouth, MA. Lillian was the first recreation Leader and founder of the City of New Bedford Travel Program at the Buttonwood Park Senior Center. Following her retirement, she volunteered for over 33 years at Buttonwood Senior Center conducting the Bingo programs. Funeral services are private at her request. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be sent to the Patients Activity Fund of the Oaks Nursing Home, 4525 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA 02745.