We were so saddened to hear the news about the passing of a dear member of the Hicksville Public Library family. Gracie will forever be remembered by her contagious laugh.  Even though we were in a library, and it was supposed to be quiet, you couldn’t help but laugh when "Gracie was in the house". We had a library softball team in the late ‘80’s, early ‘90’s and Gracie was one of our pitchers and played in the outfield. As the legend goes, somebody hit the ball into the outfield and because Gracie was low to the ground, she just fell back, caught the ball, held it up, and saved the day.  Lots of laughter, and many funny memories! 
Rest in peace Gracie, with love from the Hicksville Library family


Everyone should be as fortunate as I was to grow up with a caring and giving neighbor like Mrs. Gillen. Each year, the summer officially began when I had my first swim in her pool. At Christmas, our family always enjoyed a plate of her delicious homemade cream puffs. She also was a pro on the sewing machine if you had a special project that needed completion. That same giving and caring extended beyond her family and friends to the various cats she gave homes to over the years (my favorite one - sweet Whiskey). I recall the playful kittens returning home one afternoon crying with their stings and swollen paws, the result of playfully chasing bees. When I asked her later how they were, Mrs. Gillen told me they had improved and that she had spent time helping them soak their paws in Epsom salt. That is devotion. As the years went by, I always enjoyed chatting with her at the fence when I would visit my father. Rightfully-proud Grandma would catch me up on all the happenings in her family. Mrs. Gillen, you will be missed. May you rest in peace.

We grew up in probably the best neighborhoods a kid could ever hope for. Truly a Wonder Years type of setting. Us kids had many "parents" watching over us and Grace was one of them. The Gillen Halloween parties were always a hit and while the parents partied like rock stars in their basement us kids partied upstairs. 😁 I will always remember Grace's laugh. She was always welcoming and loved when we would stop by after we grew up and moved away. I still have the puzzles she gave me and my kids still remember her parrot Joker. Rest in peace Grace and thank you for being a big part of my childhood. ❤️

Dear Chris, Susie and Thomas :
To entire Gillen Family 
Sorry to hear about Grace passing. 
My heartfelt sympathy to your family. 
May the good memories provide all
of you the strength needed at this time. 
Love to all,
Marilyn Groner Massey 

Mrs. Gillen was our next door neighbor for more than 60 years.  She and my mother were very close, and my dad and I treasured the time we spent with her.  

My favorite memory is watching my mom, dad,   Mrs. Gillen and Mr. Ziegler sit around our dining room table and tell story after story each time Mr. Ziegler would visit for Christmas.  Much laughter and many memories!

I have many wonderful memories of Mrs Gillen that I could share but the funniest has to be this:
Merry had moved to California and I hadn't seen Mr or Mrs G in several months.   (I was constantly at their house when Merry and I were in High School so this was not a "casual" relationship.)  
Anyway, I was in a supermarket and spotted Mr and Mrs Gillen who I immediately ran up to, hugs and all that; well apparently they saw me before I saw them and Mrs G was trying to avoid me and when Mr G asked her "What are you doing; I'm going to say hello" to which Mrs G answered "I forgot her name" to which Mr G answered - "Did you forget YOUR name also"  Rest Peacefully Momma G.  

OBITUARY

Grace Gillen

December 11, 1929 – August 20, 2021

Claude R. Boyd - Caratozzolo Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services