Florence T. Gilligan
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Greece: Sunday, January 13, 2013. Predeceased by her husband, Paul Gilligan; 4 brothers; 3 sisters. Survived by her children, John (Mary) Gilligan, Margaret (John) Doell, Joan Richardson, Tim (Belinda) Gilligan, Kevin (Mary) Gilligan, Nancy Gilligan; 16 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Florence enjoyed spending time with her family. Friends may call Friday (Jan 18th) 4-7 PM at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home 1075 Long Pond Road. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday (Jan 19th) 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, Greece. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lifetime Care Hospice in her memory.
Dear Cousins and Loved Ones of Aunt Florence. Now is truly the end of an era. I can only imagine the party that the McCarthy clan is putting on in heaven now that ‘Flo’ has arrived! Our mom will be especially happy to have her younger sister back with her. Maybe they’ll put on a performance of ‘The Good Ship Lollipop.’
Florence was always so good to me. I’m sure she sent me a Christmas card right up until she could no longer do so. I’m glad I got to say goodby after Mom’s funeral. I remember when we lived next door on Duxbury Road. It was like one big extended family. In fact, one of my first membories is when my brother Fran got hit by a car and Florence came running across the front lawn toward our house with the bleeding baby yelling, ‘Mary, Mary.’ And I remember staying over at Paul and Flo’s house near the airport so many times and trying to hit one of the landing planes with a tennis ball. Today that would get me arrested!
I would do almost anything to be at Flo’s funeral and help you all mourn and celebrate, but I have an obligation here in Chicago that I simply cannot break. So I will be with you in spirit, which is the best way to be with anyone, as you will soon discover with Flo. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen
With Love,
Greg, Kathy, Abby, Nate, and Zack Pierce
6760 N. Jean Avenue
Chicago, IL 60646
Florence was a very very special lady! They loaned me a cradle when my son Ethan was born, he is 22 now. We played cards many many times together and were worried about her the last time we came in to visit her as she did not remember many things about Groveland. She and your dad were missed after they left Groveland!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!!!!!!!!! Cindy Dennison Latimer Rd
My dear Aunt Florency, you were a second mom to me. I remember staying at your house during the day when my mom couldn’t find a sitter. I always loved going because you were SO happy. I am sure it wasnt easy having us all pile on on Sundays to see Grandma. You always stopped whatever you were doing to chat and have a cup of coffee. To this day, I try to be just like you. I am sure Uncle Paul, grandma and grandpa, brother and sisters are happy your are ‘home’. Love, Lori (Sekel)
When I was growing up, Flo was always like my second Mom. My fondest family memories always were with the Gilligans. She was a loving, caring God Mother to me, and I will always Love her. I can picture Mary and Flo, skipping down the sidewalk hand in hand, laughing as they go, now that they are back together. That is the memory I will keep.
Pete Pierce
Aunt Florence was a loving, caring and cheerful lady. I’ll always remember the Sunday mornings when everyone gathered at her home, and I’m always telling my children about the big weddings and how Mary and Florence danced the jitterbug. I hope that we cousins will still stay in contact–love to all of you! Eileen (McCarthy) Moessle
Aunt Florence was a very kind and upbeat person with a contagious laugh. Now with Mary and the rest of her brothers and sisters, there is going to be one heck of a party. We will miss you.
Gerry, Priscilla, Jason, Tara and Kayla
Florence was the very best, always helpful, taking care of my motherless daughter Jane,
in so many ways. part of the Winbourne rd. group for many years. God bless..
Lee R Patt
i just saw Mrs. Gilligan’s obituary.I am so sorry for your loss. She was always so nice to all of us, when we came over play as children. Such a lovely person. She always made us feel welcome. I will always remember her as part of my Winbourne Rd. family.
My deepest sympathies to the Gilligan family. I have a lot of good memories of Mr. and Mrs. Gilligan. One of the best Winbourne Road Neighbors! As a kid I always enjoyed playing with Nancy and hanging out at the house. I thought the m&m cake for Nancy’s birthday was the best! We still refer to your old house as the ‘Gilligan’s House’.
As we celebrate the life of Aunt Florence, my thoughts and prayers are with my cousins, the Gilligans. I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Florence and the Gilligan family – visiting Grandma McCarthy – playing with Nancy (we were the ‘younger’ generation of the McCarthy clan), attending ALL of the weddings and visiting the ‘Gilligan’ house where we could watch the planes overhead. However, one of my fondest (and most precious) memories was when she attended the baby shower of my daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is now 8 and my Mom (Helen) had already passed away. It meant more to me than she’ll ever know to have her there! We talked about the family, the good old days. She told me how ‘tiny’ I looked to be 7 months pregnant (when I had actually already gained 50 lbs. – what a sweetheart!) It was truly special — a memory I will keep in my heart forever. I know the McCarthy family is back together, but I also know how deeply they are missed. May all of our memories replace the tears with smiles….To you Aunt Florence – your smile, your laugh, your kindness, your heart – Thank you!
Love, Rod, Chris (Sekel) and Elizabeth.
Aunt Florence was a special part of our lives from weekly visits as kids to the Gilligan house to visit grandma to our visits to Rochester to see our mom that always included a visit to Flo’s, her joining our family for an event, or lunch with Mary and Flo at a local restaurant. Thanks for a lifetime of memories Flo. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gilligan clan.
Pete Pierce said when he was growing up Florence was his second mom. Even when I was a grown up Florence was my second mother. With a capital M. Then we move away and start our other life and feel bad now for not seeing her and her wonderful family – my second family – more often. Putting aside any regrets, Florence was (is) a big part of our wonderful life and we are all better for her being our Mother. My love to all the Gilligans – wish I could be with you now. John Wischmeyer