Jillian R. Franklin

Jillian Renea Franklin, 37, passed away Tuesday evening, November 6, 2018, unexpectedly from a massive medical emergency while at home watching television with the love of her life, Dan Foley, with whom she made her life and home over the last ten years.

Jill was born in Norwich on September 11, 1981, the daughter of Nancy and the late William "Buddy" Franklin.

Jill was a 1999 graduate of N.F.A., where she was a member of the swim team.

Upon her graduation, Jill began a lifelong career in child care and early childhood development at present employed at Bright Horizons at Eagleview. Children were always a great love in Jill's life. As a child, she was the oldest of all the kids at picnics, and when we were looking for the kids we just looked for Jill, she was the tree, and they were the branches.

Jill loved the beach, Cape Cod, cats, good books, dragonflies, her family, friends, and a good time. Her smile lit up every place she went. Her beautiful smile and face equaled by the beauty of her heart. She freely gave to all who knew her and was a true friend.

Jill's passing is an unbearable loss to her family and to all who knew her because to know Jill was to love her truly. She will be loved and missed forever.

Jill leaves behind the love of her life and life partner Dan Foley, her mother, Nancy Wiggins Franklin, sisters; Sara Franklin and her husband Vincenzo Race, Debbie Franklin Dembecki and her husband Bruce, Darlene Franklin Williamson and her husband Benjamin, Jill's Godparents; Rosemary and Steve Gaska, four nephews; Dakota & Dylan Williamson, Quinn Dembecki, Giuseppe Race, one niece; Rosa Race, two cousins; Bryan & Patrick Gaska and the Foley family whom she loved dearly.

A Celebration of Jill's life will be held on Thursday, November 15th at 6 pm at the Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT. Calling hours are from 4 pm until the time of the service. Burial is private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, calling 1-800-805-5856, or online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-donatenow

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.churchandallen.com