Lillian M. Nelligan

Lillian Mary Nelligan, long-time Milford resident, passed away unexpectedly on February 7, 2025.

Born in Sandisfield, Massachusetts to Mary Meachum Rosati and Eugenio Rosati, Lillian was raised in Connecticut, during The Great Depression, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse in Colebrook River and then the Gilbert School in Winsted. After high school, Lillian attended art school in New Haven. She became an accomplished artist favoring landscapes and seascapes painted in oils and acrylics.

When World War II broke out, Lillian contributed by volunteering at the Office of Price Administration, the agency responsible for rationing scarce items like food, fuel, and clothing.

An avid reader, Lillian also wrote numerous poems and short stories. She had an extraordinary knowledge of history, particularly The American Revolution. She loved the Constitution & could quote it extensively.

Lillian loved gardening, especially her prized roses. She always celebrated the shortest day of the year as it signaled the return of longer days and the march toward Spring, her favorite season for its rebirth of nature and the return of the Boston Red Sox.

Lillian’s numerous volunteer activities included several years of teaching Milford area school students with disabilities. She was an active member of The League of Women Voters (LWV) for over 50 years, dedicating much energy to important issues and “Get Out The Vote” efforts to educate voters. She was instrumental in the planning and execution of several nationally televised presidential debates hosted by the LWVNH.

Lillian served as the NH State President of the LWV for eight years (1993-2001), then as Chair of the New Hampshire LWV Education Fund for 23 years. During this time, she attended numerous national conventions around the country and the National Council events in Washington, D.C.

Lillian’s greatest love was her family, and she cherished her many strong and lasting friendships. She would drop everything to lend a hand, offer a smile, or say a kind and uplifting word, even to a stranger.

She got up every day with joy and the love of being alive and tried to make every minute count. She will be remembered for her kind, compassionate nature and her can-do outlook. Her indomitable spirit and her motto “never give up” are everlasting gifts to us.

A Service and Celebration of Life is planned for May. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The League of Women Voters of New Hampshire: lwvnh.org or The Humane Society of Greater Nashua: hsfn.org. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com