Maddy Gilligan

Maddy Adele Gilligan, 31, passed away on October 19, 2025. Raised in West Chester, PA, and a proud resident of Philadelphia, Maddy graduated from West Chester East High School, from the University of Maryland with a degree in Hearing and Speech Pathology, and from West Chester University where she received her master’s degree in Education.

Maddy was an Autistic Support teacher at Culbertson Elementary School in Newtown Square, a place where she demonstrated her love for her students and was an unwavering advocate for children of all abilities. Maddy brought joy and excitement everywhere she went—whether lighting up a classroom or conquering her next escape room (she was, by all accounts, an escape room connoisseur). She loved her World-Champion Eagles, summers in Sea Isle City, and spending time with her family (especially “the cousins”). A devoted aunt, she picked up her niece Marlowe every Wednesday after school—a small ritual that spoke volumes about her love and commitment to family. Willing to try almost anything, she was an actor, a world traveler, and a mom to her beloved mini-Bernese, Mellie. Her favorite times were spent hanging with Marlowe, Casey, her mom Joanne, her dad Jim, and her seemingly millions of “best friends.” Madds was loving and thoughtful to everyone, always wanting people to respect each other and to do the right thing.

Maddy is survived by her parents Joanne Carroll Everhart (Grant) and her father James J. Gilligan (Sharon), adored brother Shaun (Tessa) Gilligan, sister, best friend and partner-in-crime Casey Gilligan, and beloved nieces Marlowe and Aoife. Maddy leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Carroll and Gilligan families.

Maddy was pre-deceased by her grandparents James and Patricia Carroll and James and Adele Gilligan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Maddy’s name to the Eagles Autism Foundation. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/