Mildred Gilluly, 81, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 17, 2014.
She is survived by four brothers; children, Susan, (Michael Zolandz), Mary (Leroy Fawkes), William Jr., and Jane Miller; grandchildrn, Timothy (Lisa), Michael, Catherine, Anna, Amanda, Leroy Jr., Allyssa, William III, and Brianna; and great-grandchildren, Ryan and Evan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William “Bill” Gilluly.
Born in New York, she was raised in Guttenburg, N.J., with her parents, Gertrude and Rudolph Fleischner and her four wonderful brothers Bernie, Lewis, Joe and Carl. This would set the foundation for the life she would build for her own family.
After graduating from school, Gilluly ventured out into the world where, while working in Manhattan, she met William Gilluly. During the course of their 56 year marriage, Millie left her mark on friends and family in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and finally Vero Beach.
During their over 30 years in New Jersey the Gilluly’s raised four children, all of whom learned the value of hard work, honesty, and above all family. Her children all knew the strength of her love every day. Upon retiring, she set out to make her mark on Vero Beach. With the support of her husband, she found her niche in the Riverside Arts Center. She picked up a brush and all she saw came to life.
Her friends and family were always grateful for the thoughtful and personal gifts of a memory on canvas. She knew just how to turn her art into love. Gilluly also spent many years as a volunteer at the Vero Beach public library. This was the perfect venue for her love of reading, community and people.
After the death of her beloved husband in 2008, Gilluly embarked on a new adventure. She found a home and wonderful friends at Pointe West (Brennity), in Vero. There she lived her life to the fullest. She traveled, took classes and made a long list of new friends with whom she shared her love of life and sense of adventure.
Gilluly left a legacy of love, strength and grace that will be shared by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Although her time with us is over, the ways in which she brought happiness to the lives of others lives on. She joins her great love, Bill, and will live forever in peace.
She was a warm, loving and vibrant woman who impacted for the better all those whose lives’ she was fortunate enough to have touched.
A service honoring and celebrating Gilluly’s life will take place in the Main Dining Hall at Brennity at 5 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 23. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice House of Vero Beach, who provided loving care for Bill Gilluly, (http://www.vnatc.com/foundation/donate-today/) or the Indian River County Public Library, Attn: Tanya Huff, 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, would be appreciated.
