Lilian T. Murtagh

Lilian T. Murtagh, age 95, of Rochester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at St. Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dover, New Hampshire, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, on March 6, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Cleo and Felicite (Lavoie) Pinault.

Lilian was educated at St. Joseph High School in Salem, Massachusetts, where she graduated as Valedictorian of her class. She carried that same dedication and work ethic throughout her life.

Lilian wed Michael J. Murtagh II of Peabody, Massachusetts, in 1951. The couple established a home in Peabody and began to build a family. In 1963, Lilian and Michael moved to Rochester, New Hampshire, with their six children. The family later grew with the addition of two more daughters, evening the spread to four boys and four girls.

Early on, she worked as a clerk at JCPenney, later at Bank East in the safe deposit department, and eventually earned her real estate license, selling mobile home properties. Above all, however, her life's work was devoted to raising her eight children-a role she embraced with devotion, creativity, and quiet strength.

Lilian was a woman of deep faith and generous spirit. She found great joy in serving others, especially within her church community. A devoted Catholic, she sang in the Holy Rosary Choir, coordinated Mercy Circle funeral luncheons, and served as a lay minister, traveling to parishioners' homes to bring communion. Her nurturing nature extended beyond her ministry and into her home, where her talents were expressed through sewing, knitting, gardening, playing cards and board games, completing puzzles, and cherishing simple, quiet moments.

Lilian was hardworking, caring, and classic in every sense. She had a steady presence in the lives of those around her, shown through service, faith, and the everyday acts that made a house a home. There was always a place at the table for a friend to share a meal and good conversation.

She is survived by her children: daughter Maureen Turgeon and husband Roger of Dover, New Hampshire; daughter Diane Wright and husband Geary of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; son Thomas Murtagh and wife Tammy of Rochester, New Hampshire; son William Murtagh and wife Joanne of New Durham; daughter Patricia Prescott and husband Edmund of Rochester, New Hampshire; and daughter Kathleen Murtagh of Arlington, Massachusetts; along with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

In addition to her parents, Lilian was predeceased by her husband, Michael J. Murtagh II; her sons, Michael J. Murtagh III and Joseph J. Murtagh; and her brother, Roger Pinault, and his wife Claudette.

A visitation for Lilian will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Grondin Funeral Home, 177 North Main Street, Rochester, New Hampshire 03867. A funeral service will follow immediately at 1:00 PM. A burial will take place at a later date at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Rochester, New Hampshire.