January 24, 1959 – October 21, 2025
Laurelyn Wright Hilliard of Reading, MA, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at age 66.
Laurie was born in Brockton, MA, on January 24, 1959. She was the cherished daughter of Elaine (Densman) Wright of Osterville and the late Wayne Maxfield Wright. She grew up in Hanson, MA, and graduated from Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in 1977.
She went on to study at the Katharine Gibbs School and the American Institute of Banking, subsequently working at Shawmut Bank as a Loan Review Officer.
At WBZ-TV, she became a successful Program Coordinator. She then found her calling in the world of professional recruiting, focusing on creative marketing and advertising — an industry in which she excelled for over three decades.
She fell in love with Frank Tower Hilliard, whom she married in 1984 at Trinity Church in Boston. In 1987 they moved to Reading, MA, where Laurie became an active and valued member of the community. She served as the chairperson for the Reading 350th Town Ball and was a generous participant in such causes as Adopt-A-Family, holiday gift baskets for the elderly, and mentoring underprivileged women in Boston. She also devoted her time as a volunteer to the Women’s League of Reading and was a pioneering board member of Reading Education Foundation, which produces the beloved annual Festival of Trees.
Together, Frank and Laurie raised two boys, Taylor Maxfield Hilliard (New York City) and Spencer Endicott Hilliard (Reading, MA). Laurie became heavily involved in Parents Supporting Student Theatre and in local sporting events. She was a loving mother known for her warm smile and larger-than-life personality.
Laurie loved decorating, traveling, and entertaining. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, quick wit, brilliant sense of humor, and glamorous style.
In addition to her mother, husband, and sons, Laurelyn is survived by her loving siblings Brian Joseph Wright and his wife Bonnie of Osterville, and Lisa Faye Wright of Watertown. She was also the loving niece of Jean O’Brien of Hanson.
A private service was held on October 28, and a public Celebration of Life will take place at a later date with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Laurelyn’s memory to the Reading Education Foundation at www.readingef.org or the Reading Food Pantry at www.readingfoodpantry.org.
Arrangements under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home, Reading, MA. For online guest book and information on donations, visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com.
