Lillian Emma Donnell

Lillian Emma (Perryman) Donnell, 92, of Coventry, CT passed peacefully at home into the arms of almighty God on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Born in 1932 to Herbert & Emma (Coutieri) Perryman of Englewood, NJ, Lillian graduated from Englewood High School and then secretarial school in New York. She married her brother’s best friend, Sam Donnell, in 1952 and they raised three wonderful children, who, together with “her Sam” were her everything. After a short time in Concord, NH, the young family settled in Lynn, MA where they became very active and faithful members of First Church of Christ in Lynn, Congregational. Lil particularly loved her time as a member of the choir at First Church. Lil was employed for a time by General Electric Co. in Chelsea, MA. Lil particularly loved reminiscing about her travels. A highlight of all her journeys was the several cross-country camping trips that the family experienced. Her love for camping was furthered in retirement years as she and Sam toured the country (and Canada) several times towing their camping trailer which was always equipped with their golf clubs. She boasted about having played golf in 49 states and in having not one, but 2 holes-in-one! Lil and Sam retired to Ft. Pierce, FL and spent nearly 30 years there, yet annually making time for trips to Massachusetts and Connecticut as well as to Louisiana to see their children. Nothing was more important to Lil than her family.
Lillian was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Samuel G. Donnell, Jr., of Manchester, CT a brother, Herbert Perryman of Bradford, VT and a great-grandson, Rowen Gregory Pearson of St. Paul, MN.
She leaves behind two sons, Gary & his wife Mary Ellen Donnell of Somers, CT as well as Bruce Donnell of New Orleans, LA and a daughter, Marjorie Pearson and her husband Frank of Coventry, CT. She also leaves 6 grandchildren, Sarah Bowen and husband Justin of Beverly, MA, Lauren Costa and husband Adam also of Beverly, MA, Greg Pearson and wife Jenna of Eagan, MN, Amy Pearson and husband Jair Solis of Lantana, FL, Kevin Pearson and wife Rose Fuller of Windsor Locks, CT and Kristin Pearson and husband David Atkins, PhD of Ft. Collins, CO. Lil was also a loving and proud great-grandmother to Patrick & Elizabeth Bowen, Nolan Costa, Arlee & Sam Pearson as well as Myles Solis.
The family will receive family and friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 from 11:00 AM to noon on Wednesday, May 14. A service in celebration of a wonderful life will be held immediately following calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to First Church of Christ in Lynn, Congregational, Attn: Memorials Committee, 678 Lynnfield Street, Lynn, MA 01904 ( www.firstchurchofchristinlynn.com ),
Rest in God’s Peace, Mom