Mrs. Joan R. Gillespie Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mrs. Joan R. Gillespie passed away June 29 after a brief illness two months before her 92nd birthday. Born on August 30,1930, in Staten Island, NY, the daughter of Frank and Lois Reynolds, she graduated from Scarsdale High School in NY and Southern Seminary College in VA. She lived most of her adult life in Summit, NJ and later Sharon, CT and Pittsfield, MA. She was a buyer for Mercantile Stores in New York City, later working for a real estate firm in Summit, NJ. She was active in the Summit community, being a long-time member of the Fortnightly Club, delivering books to the disabled, and volunteering for the Summit Public Library. She loved spending summers in Sunset, Maine with her family, picnicking, picking blueberries, and of course enjoying the lobster and steamed clams. She is predeceased by her sisters, Virginia Howarth and Edna Wilson, her first husband, David J. Avery and second husband, Stanton G. Gillespie, whom she married in 1987. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David R. Avery and Elizabeth M. Avery of Pittsfield, and beloved grandchildren, Charlotte Avery of New York City and William Avery of Pittsfield. Joan held a special place in her heart for dogs, especially her Oliver and Willa. Joan’s family would like to thank the staff of Berkshire Place for the special care, friendship and compassion shown to her while she was there, especially in her final days. At her request, funeral services for Joan will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201.

Mrs. Joan R. Gillespie

August 30, 1930 - June 29, 2022