Obituary: Lisa Lavely, Longtime Dedham Resident

Lisa Lavely, a longtime resident of Dedham MA died peacefully on December 9, 2014, at the Tippett Hospice Home in Needham MA following a chronic illness.

Lisa was predeceased by her parents, John Hillman Lavely and Josephine Magee Lavely, longtime residents of both Newton and Walpole. She is survived by her loving son, Jonathan, of Dedham, who was her primary caregiver, and three siblings: Anthony Magee Lavely of Atlanta GA, John Hillman Lavely, Jr. of Los Angeles CA, and Kim Lavely of London England. Lisa is also survived by four nieces and one nephew: Wendy Lavely Gulla of Sherman Oaks CA, Sarah Lavely Hunziker of Burbank CA, Hillary Lavely Corbin of Greenwich CT, Vanessa Allen Lavely of New York NY, and Benjamin Magee Lavely of Brooklyn NY. Lisa is also survived by five great-nieces, whom she adored. Lisa’s family thanks Rebecca Peluso of Dedham and her family; Becky’s friendship and devotion were a positive force in Lisa’s later years. Lisa will be remembered most as a devoted mother, a supportive and caring daughter, a loyal and loving sister, a respected and dedicated public servant in her professional life, and a willing volunteer in her church life.

Lisa was born in Ligonier PA on February 15, 1946. Over the years, she lived in Michigan and Illinois, but always considered Massachusetts her home. Lisa graduated from Newton High School in 1964 and from Boston University in 1968. She worked for more than 25 years at the University of Massachusetts-Boston as Director of Graduate Admissions and Records and also as Associate Registrar. Before she joined the University of Massachusetts, Lisa held similar positions at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She chose to return to Massachusetts so she and her young son could be closer to her parents in their later years. Lisa was a longtime member of the United Parish of Auburndale. She donated her body to the University of Massachusetts Medical School for medical research.

A memorial service and celebration of Lisa’s life will be held at United Parish of Auburndale on February 14, 2015, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the West Roxbury YMCA , the Tippett Hospice Home in Needham, or a charity of the donor’s choice.