Ethna "Bunnie" (O'Flannery) Lehman

Ethna “Bunnie” Lehman (O’Flannery) of Dedham, MA, formerly of New York, NY, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

She was the daughter of the late Julia (Rice) and Daniel Flannery of New York, NY. Bunnie is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Edward. She was the beloved mother-in-law of Jennifer Lehman (O’Neil) and adoring grandmother of Margaret Lehman. She was predeceased by her treasured son, Robert Lehman.  She was the aunt of Margaret Brocchi, Anne O’Leary, Eric Compton, and the late Maureen Zucks. Sister of the late Maire Compton.

A proud alumna of Mt. Ursula Academy in the Bronx, Bunnie went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in history from the College of New Rochelle. She received her master’s degree in sociology from Fordham University and completed further studies at Columbia University.  Bunnie taught sociology at Fordham as well as Barnard College and eventually joined Ed in co-teaching his seminars at New York University. New York City was Bunnie’s great joy. She enjoyed the ballet, museums and theater, but most especially long walks up and down Manhattan with Ed by her side.

Please join the family at a funeral Mass to be held at Saint Joseph Church, 1360 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Monday October 13, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Hebrew SeniorLife, Development Department, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131, Memo: Hospice in memory of Ethna Lehman or at hebrewseniorlife.org/TributeGift please note Hospice.

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