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BORN
1960
DIED
2024
Jill Dennis Obituary
Jill was born in Providence, RI on July 11, 1960. Her great-grandfather+, John Coggeshall, was the first Governor of Rhode Island. Her maternal great-grandfather, Jonas Platt, was a NY Supreme Court Justice and also served in Congress. She was especially proud of her uncle, General Jonas M. Platt who was highly decorated and served as Assistant Deputy Director of Personnel at the Pentagon in his civilian life.
Jill spent many happy times in the Sakonnet area, caring for many children and as counselor at Warrens Point Beach, always busy at Coll Walker's Farm, and then beyond Sakonnet as a worldwide marathon training runner and studying a year abroad in Hedemora, Sweden which led to visits to major European cities.
Jill was also a gifted designer, artist, and chef.
She leaves behind two sisters, Dale Elizabeth Merriman and Kimberly Whitney Dennis by marriage. Two brothers, Clayton Chase Dennis and Adam Mansfield Dennis. Her parents, both predeceased, were Joan Katherine Platt and Walter Thomas Dennis.
A celebration of her life will be held on May 17. Any donations may be made to the ASPCA, a family cause.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jill Dennis
Amanda Holmes
October 5, 2025
I was just online looking for a way to reconnect with Jill and learned of her passing. I am so sorry for your loss. We worked together at Banfield and had lost touch in recent years. She was one of the most caring veterinarians I had ever worked with - always coming in early or staying late to help a patient. I recall her using her own credit card once to help cover the costs of care for a client. Her love of animals was inspiring. Rest in peace old friend.
Lisa Lombard
June 11, 2025
Was just looking for a way to reconnect with Jill as it has been a decade since we chatted. So sad to see I just missed her Celebration of Life. We were college roommates for two years and both pre-med. She was a very dedicated student, focused but funny. I envied her study notes because they always included sketches that were just amazing, especially those of our lab fruit fly experiments. She was a sponge for life´s experiences and so joyful to be around. She visited my family summer home in ME a few times and fell in love with coastal Maine. Might be part of why she transferred to Bates. I am sad to miss this opportunity to reconnect and send love and condolences to her family.
Susan Romano
May 17, 2025
Jill and I were exchange students in Sweden; I recall visiting her at her home in Tiverton before we left the US. My condolences to her family.
Michael Baker
May 1, 2025
Jill was one of my favorite stunts at NONQUIT school. She was our babysitter for several years. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Betheny Borges
February 6, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Jill's family and friends. I have very fond memories of Jill, both as my boss and as a friend. I worked with Dr. Dennis at Acoaxet Vet for a few years during the early 90's., and I truly respected her dedication to all people and interests in her life. She was never short on empathy and compassion in her practice. Many things remind me of her and I think of her often.
I hope her family and close friends find peace.
Liz
January 28, 2025
It was a great pleasure to know Jill and I will always treasure our conversations. Her obvious passion for the medical profession, compassion, and sharp wit always shone through. I´m grateful I had a chance to get to know her and my thoughts are with her loved ones and the many clients she helped through her veterinary practice.
Christine
January 17, 2025
I only knew Jill for a year and a Half, I live in her apartment building.
She was a very kind person to me and my dog madisun.
Our first conversation was about how she used to be a veterinarian and how much she loved caring for all animals, madi seemed to really like her. After about 8 months meeting her
Jills health started to decline and I never seen too much of her.. may she rest in peace.
Rene Brown
January 16, 2025
After high school you tend to lose track of most people, but there are those, you just know will make life matter! What an amazing life Jill! Thank you for caring for our furry and feathered friends all those years! No doubt your expertise saved many and put loving owners´ minds at ease. Rest easy. God bless. Condolences to her loved ones.
Dan Simpson
January 15, 2025
Had lost track of my colleague and I´m worse for it.
Never knew of her level of brilliance but I knew her smile.
She handled life´s trials with strength and humility.
Not surprising her clients loved her.
Robin Frazier
January 15, 2025
I only knew Jill for a little over 2 years and she had a very kind and giving spirit. I was honored to call her my friend!
Ron and Tina DeMello
January 15, 2025
She did great things from what I read. Never knew her well . She was a quiet person. Class of 78. Wish I knew her more. She will be missed.
Lenny Fortes
January 15, 2025
My dearest, sweet Jill,
I miss you so much. I was so lucky to have you in my life.
Susan Killenberg
January 15, 2025
Jill was our vet for many years. She was incredibly smart, caring, and devoted to her work. She was also a kind and generous friend, with many talents and a great sense of humor. I am so sorry to learn of her medical illness and passing. Condolences to her family.
April Hope
January 15, 2025
The first time I met Jill I knew I was going to love her if she was anything like her amazing sister, Dale.
I was right!
They were both delightful, fun, and extremely intelligent women. As I opened the door to greet her, I saw that Jill also had a huge smile and hrr arms were spread wide open- not for me, but for my dog Lola!
I knew immediately that she had a good heart because she was so friendly, and cared not only for others, but for animals as well.
In fact, it was because of her advice that I got my dog checked when Jill felt a small lump on Lola.
Bringing Lola to her vet was what helped her to get the sugery that would give me another year and a half with my baby.
I was incredibly sad to see that Jill had passed, but I am filled with gratitude that I was given the chance to meet her and to experience even a brief moment of her sparkle and joy.
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