Lillian Olga (Jansen) Ringler, 86, of Norwood passed away on March 5, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Mabel Ruth Jansen; her sisters, Ruth Greer, Nancy Lombardo, Barbara Laforest, and Frances “Honey” Jansen-Smith; and her brothers, Leonard Jansen and John Jansen.

Lillian is survived by her loving children: Pamela (Willie Johnson III), Richard (former spouse Christine), Steven (Lisa McKenna), and Cheryl (Jim Basler). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she was a graduate of Jamaica Plain High School.

In 1969, Lillian and her (former) husband, Charles, moved to Norwood, Massachusetts, a town she grew to love and called home for the rest of her life. Settling in a wonderful neighborhood, she quickly made friends and cherished the lifelong bonds she formed with a few special neighbors.

Lillian’s most cherished role was being a loving mother, and she spent their early years making a wonderful home for her family. As her children grew, she took on administrative roles outside the home with a variety of local businesses.

Blue eyes with blue eyeliner to match; colorful earrings to coordinate with her outfit of the day; a warm smile with a sweet, comforting giggle. But even more striking than her beauty was her kind, thoughtful heart. All it took was mentioning once that you liked a particular snack, color, or sports team, and she would somehow remember it months later for your birthday or the holiday season.

Lillian selflessly supported all her children and the many activities they were involved in. The countless rides to and from school, team practices, and games became affectionately referred to as “Mom’s Taxi Service.” She devoted her time and talents to baking for bake sales, selling raffle tickets, and what she loved the most - making signs and banners to support the team.

She loved being 'Nana' and lavished her grandchildren with personalized handmade gifts. If someone needed something, she was always there to help or solve a problem. On numerous occasions, she came to the rescue by whipping up handmade Halloween costumes that far exceeded anything that could be purchased.

In her later years, she enjoyed creating and giving greeting cards to her friends and family on all kinds of occasions. She loved being able to offer her own words, and all who received her cards looked forward to them. She carried on her mother’s tradition of often planting a fresh lipstick kiss on the back of the envelope along with the letters S.W.A.K. (Sealed With A Kiss).

The epitome of a good neighbor, she spent her free time prior to her diagnosis driving neighbors to run errands, helping them manage tasks at home, and creating a welcoming, fun environment for all. She coordinated weekly coffee socials, instructed craft events, and planned, purchased, and gathered all the necessary supplies. When new neighbors arrived, she was always one of the first to introduce herself to ensure they felt welcomed.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 4-8pm at the Kraw Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA. A funeral home service will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 7:45pm.