GRAFTON: Mary MR “Rose” (Ryan) Quilliam, 86, passed away peacefully August 3, 2023 following a brief illness. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William Q. Quilliam, her children Denise Bouthillette and her husband Louie, William J. Quilliam and his wife Mary, Deneen Barclay and her husband George and Rosemary Page and her husband Dan, her grandchildren Christopher Boucher, Anthony Bouthillette, Leah Bouthillette, Caitlin Quilliam, Daniel Quilliam, Tatum Barclay, Wayne Page and Ali Dawson, her great-granddaughter Rosita Boucher, her brothers John, Tim and Patrick Ryan and sisters Patricia O’Sullivan and Annette (Cooper) Elliott along with many nieces and nephews.
Rose was born December 30, 1936 in Golden, County Tipperary, Ireland daughter of the late Denis and Mary Anne (Casey) Ryan. Her early years were spent in Éire before she found a new home in the U.S. where she married the love of her life, William, in 1958. Rose lived a robust life in motion; she ran, having won several road races in Grafton, enjoyed long walks, music and dancing, she put her hands in the dirt in her garden, and she traveled often, frequently to Ireland to stay connected to her roots and family, day trips to Newport RI and Ogunquit ME and also to Florida and the shores of York, Maine where loving family were so happy to have her. Closer to home she adored caring for her grandchildren, losing herself in a great mystery novel, and working meticulously at home as she was a self-titled “Domestic Engineer”. Wherever you found Rose she was always looking her best, glamorous and full of love.
All are welcome to gather with Rose’s family and friends at the celebration of her Funeral Mass Wednesday August 9th at 11:30am at St. Mary’s Church 17 Waterville St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. She will then be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Grafton. There are no calling hours.
A Book of Memories is available online to share a favorite memory or special message with her family.
“And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”.