In Memory
Wilma M. Gillean
July 9, 1948 ~ January 23, 2025 (age 76)
Wilma M. Gillean, a beloved soul who gave selflessly to everyone she met, went to heaven peacefully on January 23, 2025, surrounded by family, love, prayer, and her favorite Christian music. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and extreme generosity. Guided by one of her favorite scriptures, John 3:16, Wilma lived out the meaning of Jesus’ love in her daily life. She prayed for everyone she met, loved deeply, and was ALWAYS giving to those in need.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lucille Gillean; her significant other of 47 years, Richard "Dick" Blake; her sister, Linda Barnes; her brothers, Fred Gillean and Morris Gillean; her nephews, Karl Daniels and Kary Young; and her niece, Joanna Behringer.
She is survived by her sisters, Martha (Jim) Daniels and Debrah Gillean; her brothers, Gary (Marcia) Gillean and Ron (Tammy) Gillean, sisters-in-law Linda Gillean and Karla Gillean; her nieces, Lisa (Kregg) Keigley, Dawn Skene, Abbi Gillean, Hether Gillean, and Lindsi Gillean; her nephews, Jimmy Barnes, Jack Gillean, Neil Daniels, and Riley Helak; her stepchildren, Sue Harwood, Kerry Morrow, Rick Blake, and Tim Blake; her great nieces and nephews, her special friends, Bertha Kelsey, Dave Short and Sharon Giles; her beloved cat, Mickey and MANY other friends and extended family members.
Wilma cherished her family and friends and those in need, loving them and praying fervently for their well-being. Her kindness and giving knew no bounds, and she touched countless lives with her generosity, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Wilma's warmth and compassion made everyone feel like family, and she leaves behind so many extended family members, friends and even strangers extremely blessed by her presence.
There will be no formal funeral services. However, a celebration of Wilma’s life will be held at a later date, Sunday, April 13. 2025 from 3-5pm at Lydick Event Center - 26205 Edison Rd, South Bend, IN 46628, where her family and friends can come together to honor her extraordinary life, faith, and legacy of love and giving.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity close to Wilma’s heart, Pet Refuge (4626 S Burnett Dr. South Bend, IN 46614) and SAWs - Servants at Work (8427 Zionsville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268) or that you honor her memory by sharing kindness and prayer with those in need and pray for them daily at 3:16 pm.
01/25/2025 EJS
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