Our beloved Avril Jean Mead Gillis - dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend - passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the age of 86.
My Grammy was the most important person to me. She was always there to keep me on the right track, giving her advice on life or helping me with a sewing project.
She was born to the late Arthur Mead and Ann Nunn Mead in London, England on March 7, 1938. She graduated from high school at age 16, and then from the City of London College at age 20. It was several years later, volunteering in Tripoli where she met her dear husband Walter Dean Gillis the Second.
Avril and Walter married and she welcomed her wonderful stepchildren Ginger and Chip. Soon after, they welcomed my Dad, Mark, in 1971. Throughout the years Avril took in all sorts of animal friends, as well as fostering 4 children over time.
Avril enjoyed spending time with her family, and traveling. She was very knowledgeable about the world and many other cultures. Her romance with her husband alone took her through Libya, Tripoli, Germany, Italy, Greece, Malta, The Canary Islands and finally Acapulco Mexico where the two were married. I always loved hearing that story.
For the first year of Mark’s life, they stayed in the UK, before moving to New York City for a year. They then ultimately made the move to Malvern, Chester County, Pennsylvania. She became a self-employed event planner, as well as doing volunteer work with Paoli Auxiliary at Paoli Memorial Hospital. She also owned Travel A.G. International.
Avril took another adventure when she moved to St. Thomas in 1992. There she owned and managed Calico Jacks Courtyard Inne. She eventually returned to Chester County, and moved into Hershey’s Mill in 1999, where she was on the Village Board for many years. There she met many wonderful friends and neighbors who she loved dearly.
She was an amazing grandmother, who spoiled her grandchildren. She was always happy to regale stories from what life was like in England, and we loved listening about all her travels. She always loved seeing me and Jake, especially when we would burst through the house, talking in a British accent as we often did when with her. She always said one of her favorite memories was our family trip to St. Thomas that was taken a few years ago with Dad, Ginger, Cheyenne, Jake and I. We all loved her as much as she did us.
She will be remembered as the grandmother who was always yelling at the television, being an avid Philadelphia sports fan. She was feisty and very strong willed. Although she had her moments of being stubborn, you could count on her to make you feel better. I’ll miss watching British shows like “Keeping Up Appearances” with her. Or our usual tea time, where she’d watch General Hospital and I’d work on a project. I’ll miss hearing her and Dad get into amusing discussions over the most simple of things.
I remember when I showed her the tattoo; I got- her name written across my leg. I thought maybe she’d get huffy and go on a rant about “permanently putting something on me”. Instead, she just went “That’s me!” Then she laughed and asked, “Why the hell would you put me on your leg?” I’m glad I was able to pay tribute to the person who meant the world to me, and that she got to see it.
Avril unfortunately passed away in Paoli Memorial Hospital after dealing with several long term health issues. She died surrounded by family and friends.
She was an amazing woman, with a long and wonderful life full of adventures. She was kind hearted and there for anyone who needed her, always looking after someone. Many would describe her as a British spitfire, never afraid to speak her mind or give her opinion. She always looked for the good in situations, and her nagging, although sometimes mildly irritating, was always out of love. Anyone who ever came across Avril was better for it, and she brought a light into people’s lives that cannot be replaced. She was my favorite person, and I admired her more than anyone. I know she’s watching over me, rolling her eyes at all my bad decisions. A big piece of me went with her. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and will forever remain alive in our hearts.
Avril is survived by her son, Mark Gillis (Nina); her stepdaughter, Ginger Gillis; four grandchildren, Anna, Jake, Cheyenne, and Zach
Services and internment will be private.
If you would like to send flowers, Lily of the Valley and Roses were her favorites. It’s much appreciated if White funeral Lilies are avoided as Grammy thought they were (and I quote), “too depressing”. She liked colorful things.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Avril Jean Mead Gillis, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
