Obituary of Priscilla E. Gillon

Priscilla Eccleston Gillon 94, of Coventry, Connecticut passed from this world peacefully on January 7, 2017 after a long illness. She leaves seven children and their spouses, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Leonard Nelson Gillon, and a sister Shirley Eccleston Blakely. Her children and spouses include: Kathleen & Gerard Abbatello of Guilford, Connecticut; Joann & Mark Gershman of Woolwich, Maine; James & June Gillon, of Vernon, Connecticut; Gary & Lori Gillon of Toms River, New Jersey; Glenn Gillon & Paulette Smith of Coventry, Connecticut; Kenneth & Karen-Beth Gillon of Dudley, Massachusetts; and Nancy & Beau Thurnauer of Coventry Connecticut. Mrs. Gillon is survived by siblings and their loved ones: Eleanor Eccleston Yachwan, Elizabeth (Betty) Gillon Moodie, and Blair Davis. Mrs. Gillon's grandchildren and loved ones include: Steven & Elisabeth Abbatello, Michael & Laurie Abbatello, Shana Drew & Martina Woodford, Cory Drew, Daniel & Carmen Gershman, Andrew Gershman & Lucia Brooks, Jamie Gillon & Sarah Hebert, Larissa & Travis Riley, Adah Joy Gillon, Pamela & Michael Cheney, Trevor Gillon, Melody & Ronald Saunders, Lincoln & Lisa Gillon, Kristin Griffiths & Michael Marino, Daniel Griffiths, Logan Thurnauer, and Jaclyn & Rick Orlowski. Mrs. Gillon was born in Worcester Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Herbert A. Eccleston and Dr. Adah B. Eccleston. Mrs. Gillon was a registered nurse. During World War II she served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army Medical Corps. She served in the European theater, and was awarded a Silver Star for her support of the Battle of the Bulge. Mrs. Gillon worked as a nurse at Windham Community Memorial Hospital for more than twenty-five years as a bedside nurse and nursing supervisor. Priscilla dedicated her life to her family and her community. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Coventry over fifty years. She especially enjoyed her church couples club, women's club, friendly circle, and holiday fair committee. She was a scouting volunteer, youth group chaperone, English literacy mentor, and a meals-on-wheels driver. Mrs. Gillon enjoyed time spent volunteering at the Coventry Thrift & Gift Shop, New England Textile Museum, and the Strong Porter Historical Society. The Gillon family wishes to thank personal care attendants Pam Davidson and Debbie Becker, and the caring and competent staff of Woodlake at Tolland Health Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Clergy Fuel Bank -First Congregational Church PO Box 355, Coventry, CT 06238, or The Disabled American Veterans Charitable Trust (DAV) - 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, Kentucky 41076. A memorial service celebrating Priscilla's life will be held 12:00 Noon on Sunday January 29, 2017 at the First Congregational Church, Main Street, Coventry Connecticut. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Visit www.bartelfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence for the family