Jean W Gilligan

Jean graduated from Estelline High School in 1945. She moved to Minneapolis and worked for Northwestern Bell and later moved to Chicago and worked for Western Union.

Jean moved to Washington D.C. in 1949, and worked as a secretary for her uncle Gardner Withrow (R. Wisconsin). From 1967-1974 Jean was the administrative assistant to Rep. Vernon Thompson (R. Wisconsin). She served on the House Committee on Postal Service and Civil Service from 1975-1994.

Jean was an active member of the Congressional Staff Club and is credited for being the driving force in turning the Club into a vital entity for congressional staffers on the “Hill”. She served as president of the Congressional Staff Club in 1966 and 1993. She was awarded a life membership by the club for her untiring work.

Jean Gilligan was honored by “Roll Call” as Secretary of the Year in 1972. Jean was also honored for her 45 years on the Hill as a congressional staffer by having a tribute read into the Congressional Journal in 1995.

Jean is survived by her brother Pat (Joan) of Estelline S.D. and her long time special friend Maura (Pat) Kelly of Alexandria,VA.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers (Warren and Harvey), sister in law Joyce (Warren) Gilligan, and great nephew Sean Gilligan.

Jean was a unique individual, direct at times but her sincerity and soft heart always won out, she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 PM on November 19 at the Demaine Funeral Home at 820 South Washington Street in Alexandria and a funeral service mass at the St Louis Catholic Church at 2907 Popkins Lane, Alexandria starting at 10:30 AM on November 20th.