Gillian Kay Groves

Gillian Kay Groves, peacefully passed away on May 2nd, 2026, while holding hands with her husband Gerald Petersen. Born on September 28, 1957, in Lafayette, Indiana, Gillian was the second daughter of Jean Steinman Groves and Charles Richard (Dick) Groves. She was predeceased by her parents and younger sister, Merial.

Gillian is survived by: her husband, Gerald Petersen (36 years partnership, 13 years married); her siblings Carrie Groves, Holly Groves, and Brian Groves; nieces and nephew Heather Jurney, Lillian Wheeler, Amber Groves and Anthony Groves; and 6 great nephews and nieces.

Gillian earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Biological Sciences, and Mathematics and Physical Sciences from The Ohio State University, and earned her Master of Science from Southern Methodist University.

Gillian’s engineering career spanned working at Battelle Memorial Institute, Texas Instruments, and Hughes Aircraft/Raytheon. At Hughes/Raytheon, Gillian developed 4 Patents and rose through the engineering ranks to become a Senior Principle Engineer at Raytheon.

Gillian enjoyed skiing, hiking, scuba diving, camping, sailing, and travel – combining many of these into one trip. She was able to get to all 7 continents and go above the arctic and below the antarctic circles. Her favorite places to go to were: the British Virgin Islands and the coast of California for sailing; and Ireland, England and Scotland for the Castles, standing stones and monolithic and megalithic structures. When traveling, if a region had an engineering or natural marvel, Gillian had to go see it – be it bridges, caves, lock systems, tombs/burial mounds, or waterfalls. She also visited many museums around the world to view the works of the master artists, fascinated with the details in the paintings and sculptures that were on display.

After retiring, Gillian’s love of the ocean led her to become a Docent at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium primarily leading school groups and explaining what was being displayed. Gillian also became a naturalist for the whale watch boats that went out of San Pedro, Redondo Beach and Marina Del Rey, telling people about the whales, dolphins, birds and fish that were seen off the California coast.

Gillian was known for her quick wit, warm smile, interest in what people were talking about, and providing recommendations and advise for places to travel to.

Gillian's legacy is one of warmth, intelligence, and a boundless spirit of adventure. In her memory, the family kindly suggests donations to the Friends Of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, CA, an organization close to her heart.