Josephine Mary Gillespie Memorial (2024)

Josephine Mary Gillespie Memorial (2024)
January 25, 1935 - December 5, 2024
Dearest grandmother of Timothy (Jennifer) Gillespie, Anthony CPD (Kathleen) Gillespie, Katie (Jake CFD) Biros, Caitlyn Mary (Marty) Cassidy, Eileen Ann (George) Jensen, Erin Maureen Gillespie, Catherine Gillespie, Daniel CFD Gillespie, Robert Nolan, Patrick Gillespie, Elizabeth Nolan, Gavin Gillespie, Ryan CFD Gillespie, Molly Nolan, Quinn Gillespie, Owen Gillespie and preceded in death by Collin Gillespie.
Great-grandmother of Timothy Gillespie Jr., Evan Daniel Gillespie, William Gillespie, Arden Gillespie, Shannon Gillespie, Sarah Gillespie, Anthony Gillespie Jr., Bridget Biros, Jack Biros, Avery Ann Cassidy, Maeve Josephine Cassidy, Beau Thomas Cassidy, Theodore Cassidy, Haven and Nylah Jensen.
Loving sister of the late Tony (late Patricia) of Surrey, UK, late Tommy (Mary B) of County Mayo, late James (late Nora) of Manchester UK, late Jack (late Evaline) of South Wales, late Patrick (Mary) of Chicago, late Sarah McManamon of County Mayo, late Mary (late Tom) O’Boyle of Chicago, late Kate (late Jack) O’Haire of County Mayo and the late Winnie Coffey of Chicago. Survived by her sisters Joan (late James) Duncan of Belfast, Northern Ireland and Bernadette McKenna of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Sister-in-law of the late William (late Mickey) Gillespie of Ohio, late John "Jack" (late Mary) Gillespie of Naperville and the late Reverend Thomas Gillespie of California. Auntie Jo was a fond Aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Josephine was born and raised on a beautiful farm in Newport, County Mayo, Ireland. Like many family members before her, she left home in search of work in various cities throughout Europe and the US. Josephine and her two sisters found employment at a hospital in London where she worked for one year. Josephine returned to Newport for two weeks before boarding a ship and heading to the United States. Upon arrival in New York, she was met by a family friend at the foot of the ship’s stairs. After a long journey by train, she was met by her Aunt Catherine Rice and sister Winnie at the train station in Chicago. The three of them made their way to the northside of Chicago where Auntie Rice and Winnie had already settled. In short time and with the help of Auntie Rice, Josephine found work at Prudential Insurance, the tallest building in Chicago at the time. Josephine and friends attended several Irish dances, where she eventually met the love of her life, James Gillespie. Jim and Jo raised six sons and one daughter in the Lowell Avenue bungalow that Jim and his three brothers were raised in. Three generations of the Gillespie family called Lowell Avenue in North Mayfair Park home for over 90 years. Josephine was a hardworking and a kind soul who was loved by all who knew her. She may have had seven children but she took joy in providing for and helping all of her children’s friends in their neighborhood. Josephine and Jim eventually moved into the Resurrection retirement community (Ascension Living). They loved living there, meeting new friends and re-engaging with old friends and neighbors. Josephine lost her beloved husband Jim in 2022 and continued living at Resurrection. Josephine was devoted to her faith, family and friends and will be dearly missed by all. As Mom would tell everyone as they were leaving, “God Bless”.
Visitation Friday December 13th from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday December 14th 9:00 - 10:00 AM from TOHLE FUNERAL HOME 4325 W. Lawrence Ave. to ST. EDWARD CHURCH 4350 W. Sunnyside, Mass 10:30 AM. Interment Maryhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Misericordia Heart of Mercy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Lurie Children's Hospital or GiGi's Playhouse appreciated.
Information available at 773-685-4400 or tohlefuneralhome.com