Jean T. Gillespie, 83, longtime resident of Round Pond, passed on July 27, 21 years to the day after the passing of her husband, Roy W. Gillespie Jr.
Jean was born on Nov. 13, 1931, in East Islip, N.Y., the daughter of Frank and Jennie (Kovarik) Slanec. She received an academic scholarship to Queen of the Rosary Academy in Amityville, N.Y., from where she graduated in 1949.
After a short courtship, she and Roy were married in 1952. They first lived together in Oakdale, N.Y., and then moved to Round Pond in 1960, where they opened an antique and book store. She continued to operate the business even after Roy’s passing in 1994, with the assistance of her faithful companion, her golden retriever Brandy.
She was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle, and enjoyed volunteering for the Shamrocks and other church activities. In her spare time, she was an avid reader, and loved cooking, baking, and gardening. She also enjoyed family road trips, especially to Florida.
Besides her husband and parents, she was also predeceased by sister, Lilianne Hill; and nephews, James and Francis Hill.
She is survived by daughters, Jackie Morrison and husband Roland, of Windham, Julie Krug and husband Joe, of Charlotte, N.C. and West Boothbay Harbor, and Liz Archer, and husband Duane, of Jefferson; sons, Andy of Rotterdam, N.Y., and Matt of Redondo Beach, Calif.; grandsons, Josh and Keith Morrison, and Chris Krug; as well as two great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Fri., July 31 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle. She will be laid to rest with her husband at the Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s name to St. Patrick’s Church, PO Box 598, Newcastle, ME 04553; or the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
