Sondra Jupin Gillice

Sondra J. Gillice passed away in Arlington, Virginia on November 19, 2020. Sondra was a proud wife, dedicated mother and grandmother, a fiercely loyal friend, and a leader in her professional and social circles. Born in Centralia, Illinois in 1936, to Laura Rose Jupin, an educator, and Earl Cranston Jupin, an investor and columnist for the town newspaper, Sondra graduated from high school in 1954 with a determination to have a professional career. Sondra earned her bachelor's degree from Lindenwood University in just three years, and later earned an MBA degree from Loyola College. In 1959, she married James (“Jim”) T. Gillice, to whom she was married for 18 years, and, in 1964, had her only child, Thomas A. Gillice. Sondra’s diligence and business acumen led her to break through the corporate world’s glass ceiling in the 1970s and 80s. She served as a human resources manager and executive in the financial, energy, and hospitality industries, including as Vice President of Human Resources at Guest Services, Inc. Ever a pioneer in the corporate world, Sondra advocated for the upward mobility of professional women into upper levels of management, and 1980, gave a speech for the National Policy Institute entitled “Women & Work: Removing the Barriers in the 1980s.” That same year, Sondra married Gardner R. Brown (USN CDR (Ret.)), a marriage for 38 years until Gardner’s passing in April 2018. Sondra and Gardner shared a passion for home renovation and design, which they practiced on their properties in Edgartown, Massachusetts and Orange, Virginia. In 1998, she and Gardner formed their energy consulting business, RusSon, Inc. Sondra served as president of the local chapters of Soroptimist International, American Association of University Women, Capital Speakers Club, the Art Guild of Washington DC and several other organizations. Her wonderful parties, gracious hosting and generous friendship will be missed by many. She is survived by her son, Thomas and daughter-in-law, Michelle, and her grandchildren, James and Cole Gillice. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced in 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lindenwood University’s scholarship fund at https://www.lindenwood.edu/alumni/support/giving-opportunities/scholarships/