Geraldine Evelyn Gillen

Geraldine “Jerry” Evelyn Gillen, 86, of Southbury, died peacefully August 20, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New York City, June 23, 1926, to Josephine and Michael J. Henry.

In addition to her beloved husband of 65 years, William, Mrs Gillen leaves behind six children, Patty Gillen McQuail, and her husband Matthew, and Bernadette Addessi, and her husband Wayne, all of Newtown, Kevin Gillen, and his wife Chonita, of South Glastonbury, Geraldine Gillen and Susie of Woodbury, Maureen Gillen-Brown of Marion, Mass., and Sheila Gillen Gross, and her husband Rick, of Roxbury; 12 grandchildren; a brother, Edward Henry, and his wife Dina, of Danbury; and several nieces and nephews. Three siblings, Bernard, Dorothy, and Joan; a son-in-law, David Stampfl; and an infant daughter, Monica, predeceased Mrs Gillen.

The Gillens lived in Florida for more than 20 years. Mrs Gillen was a very active volunteer in her church in Sebastian, Fla. She will always be remembered for her kind, generous, and gentle manner.

 Mrs Gillen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She forged a reputation as a great cook and no gathering was ever too big or overwhelming for her. She inherited a razor sharp Irish wit from her father and was never at a loss for words. She could bring laughter in the worst of times. Her family will truly miss the twinkle in her eye and her incredible smile.

The Gillen family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury for the unending and unparalleled level of care that they gave to their mother every day.

There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Friday, August 24, at 10 am, in St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. Interment will follow at St Peter’s Cemetery in Danbury.

Memorial contributions may be made to alzheimers.org.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

The Newtown Bee        August 24, 2012