Doris Sjostrom Gilfillan

Doris Sjostrom Gilfillan of Williamsburg passed away on July 26th at the age of 84. She was the beloved wife of A. George Gilfillan III, M.D., with whom she recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Doris embraced life, bringing light and sincere warmth to every interaction. She will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to family and friends, and her unique ability to build close connections with those around her. Doris left a beautiful mark on the lives of many and will be dearly missed.

Doris grew up in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and attended Muhlenberg College, where she met her husband, George. After graduation, they moved to Philadelphia, where Doris taught elementary school in the Abington School District while George completed medical school and his residency program. They then moved to Wyomissing, PA, which became their home for more than 30 years, where they raised their family and established deep roots. While George practiced pediatrics, Doris found great pleasure in serving their community. Her unique gifts of caring and connecting with others had lasting impacts upon organizations, including the Junior League of Reading, the Staff Physicians’ Wives of The Reading Hospital, the Reading Hospital Auxiliary, and many others. These same attributes led Doris to be named the Marketing Director of The Highlands, where her guidance, skillset, and efforts were pivotal as this planned retirement community was taken from concept to a successful venture.

Doris cultivated genuine and lasting relationships in all aspects of her life. She enjoyed time with friends on the tennis court, the golf course and through sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. Retirement provided the opportunity to move to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where they enjoyed life on the water. Doris was active in the Tred Avon Yacht Club, Talbot Country Club, and The Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford, Maryland. Their waterfront home, named Heron Point, was a special retreat, where Doris hosted family and friends with open arms, and provided their grandchildren treasured memories in the place they loved so much. Doris and George ultimately relocated to Williamsburg, VA. Spending time with family became the focus of their daily lives. Doris cheered on her grandchildren from every sideline and shared her love of travel by taking them on trips that included Paris, New York City, and multiple National Parks in the Midwest.

While living in Kingsmill and Williamsburg Landing, Doris thrived. She cherished her Bible study, bridge group, 9-Hole golf group, and Wine and Dines. She embraced her church family at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, where she ministered to her congregation as a Deacon. She touched countless people in her lifetime, leaving a lasting impact, always embracing her relationships with genuine sincerity.

Doris was the devoted mother of Andrew Gilfillan (Jennifer) and Stacey Gilfillan Pietruszynski (Steven), and grandmother to Kelly Gilfillan, Conor Gilfillan, Gigi Gilfillan, Spencer Pietruszynski, and Carson Pietruszynski. She is survived by her devoted husband, A. George Gilfillan, III, sister-in-law Susan Gilfillan Shunk, as well as multiple nieces, nephews and cousins whom she held close to her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gunnar and Bertha Sjostrom, her brother, Leonard Sjostrom, her sisters-in-law Beverly Gilfillan Austin (Charles) and Nancy Gilfillan. Doris lived her life by example and leaves a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.

A memorial service to celebrate Doris’s life will be held on August 23rd at 11 am at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Child Development Resources of Williamsburg or Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.