Lillian Dalton

Lillian was born in Newark, NJ on April 27, 1943, to the eternal delight of her late parents, Joseph and Lillian Leonard, and her two (much older) brothers, William and Robert. As the youngest child and only girl, Lillian was always a cherished and loving child.

Lillian graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, NJ in 1961. Following high school, she graduated from Katherine Gibbs School, and later completed an undergraduate degree in social work from Monmouth University. A life-long learner, she went on to receive her master’s degree at Rutgers University and took many courses at nearby Princeton University.

Lillian enjoyed a career that spanned over thirty years working for the State of New Jersey. For many years she worked for the Division of Youth and Family Services (“DYFS”) specializing in adoptions. She continued her work with the Department of Developmental Disabilities and retired as an Officer of Quality Assurance at the Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital.

Family, friends, and travel were the center of Lillian’s life. Present at every family gathering, she was always a treasured and welcome addition to any table. She traveled the world and was a source of inspiration with the knowledge she acquired. Her kindness and patience were extraordinary. She was a real foodie, loved all things Anthony Bourdain and enjoyed her daily walks in Hamilton’s Veteran’s Park. She shone a light on all whose lives she touched and will be forever missed.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Robert. She is survived by her brother William, and nieces and nephews Kathleen (Richard Sebastian) Consigli, Alison Leonard, Steven (Laurie) Leonard, Christopher Leonard (Dorothy), Garrett (Pantea Farahmand, M.D.) Leonard, M.D. and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to family, she leaves her beloved friend and traveling companion Marilyn Grama and former sister-in-law Jean Leonard.

Funeral arrangements are pending.