In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised RFH Class of ’81 Grad, Lillian ‘Lily’ Ross, 59

“Lillian’s Hebrew name was Leah Malka, or Queen Leah, which seems poetic to those who knew her well.” ~ Rossi, Lillian’s sister

Lillian Margaret Ross was born on Dec. 13, 1962. She passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2022. She was 59 years old.

“Lillian, Lily as she was known to most, or Yaya and/or Boom Boom, as she was known to her siblings, added a new dimension to the term ‘Dancing at the beat of her own drum.’ She was wild, wacky, and rebellious, with a childlike sense of humor that could make the most rigid of persons laugh.”

Lily grew up in Rumson and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) in 1981. She became a hairdresser and then held many other occupations un-conventional for a woman — interstate trucker being at the top of the list.

She loved helping the elderly and handicapped and volunteered her time at local nursing homes and for elderly neighbors. Very recently, she became an ordained minister and performed marriage ceremonies for LBGTQ couples. Lily was a childhood beauty queen even entering the Miss Tween New Jersey contest amongst others. Andrew, her son, is quick to point out she was also a demon ski-ball player.

Lily’s greatest pride and joy was her son, Andrew Joseph Elijah Raymond, and granddaughter, Charlotte Raymond. Lily was immensely proud of the wonderful father her son became and her spirited, bright granddaughter.

She is survived by: her sister, better known as Rossi a/k/a Chef Rossi, known to Lily as “Doody,” her lifelong ally; her brother, Matthew; granddaughter, Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Sabrina; and her many nieces and nephews.

Rest In Peace, Lillian.

— Obituary written by Lillian Ross’s sister, Rossi