Obituaries
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Obituary for Anne Clair Gillespie
Anne Clair Gillespie, age 86, of Green Valley Arizona, previously of Stratford, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by the ones she loved on Monday, October 24th, 2022. Anne was the beloved wife of John (Ian) Gillespie. She was born on August 12, 1936, in Longriggend, Lanarkshire, Scotland, daughter of the late James and Margaret (Lambie) Rafferty and had been a longtime resident of Stratford, before moving to Arizona in 2003.
Anne enjoyed spending time with her husband after her retirement. They traveled frequently to Scotland. She loved visiting her family there including her husband’s brothers and sister, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and her many friends. She and her husband, their first-born child, parents, brothers, in-laws, and only sister settled in Stratford some sixty years ago calling Stratford home.
Anne enjoyed assisting in the upbringing of her Stratford born grandchildren Alyssa and James which brought her great joy; this brought them especially close. She loved gardening and flowers and always took great pride in her yard. She also had a great love for music and singing, what a beautiful voice she had. She was always dressed beautifully and lit up every room she walked in to. She was always happiest surrounded by those she loved. Anne loved a party, especially the sweet treats, dining out, doting on babies/children, keeping in close contact with loved ones, far and near, and time spent beside the love of her life, best friend, soulmate and devoted husband of 62 years.
Everything they did, they did together.
Survivors include her sister Mary Gorman; her sister-in-law Doreen Rafferty, her children Ray Gillespie and his wife Dale, Iain James Gillespie and his wife Shawna; grandchildren, Danielle, Nicole, Alyssa, Jessica & James; great grandchildren McKenzy, Jackson, Brody, Josh, Luca and Alba; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by three brothers, Robert, Henry and James Rafferty and a granddaughter Natalie Gillespie.
Anne will be greatly missed by all that know and love her. Her gentle kindness, love of family and sweet disposition are just a few of her traits that made her so easy to love.
Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. by meeting directly at Saint Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT.
Interment will be private.
Friends may visit with her family Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main Street, Stratford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Anne’s honor to The Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.
For additional information or to share a message of condolence, visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.
To plant a tree in memory of Anne Clair Gillespie, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
10
Nov
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
William R. McDonald Funeral Home
2591 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial
Friday
11
Nov
11:00 AM
Saint Mark Church,
500 Wigwam Lane
Stratford, CT 06614
Memorial Contribution
Alzheimer's Association
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