Gilles Marchand Obituary

Marchand, Dr. Gilles A.
Dr. Gilles A. Marchand, passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the age of 81. Born in Westmore, Vermont, a small rural town, he and his family soon moved to Taftville, Connecticut where the textile mills offered opportunity. In 1952, Gil graduated from Norwich Free Academy at only 15. Hard working and patriotic, Gil enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He served as a paratrooper and made numerous airplane jumps in Alaska and Germany.
Gilles had no idea that his life would soon take a different course when he met the love of his life, Valerie J. Ford while on a day trip to Crescent Beach. Although it was "love at first sight," it took him a week to ask Valerie out for their first date. They quickly became a couple. Gil utilized the G.I. Bill when he was accepted at University of Connecticut. He managed to complete his pre-medical studies in only three years, during which he was appointed a University Scholar and became a member of the national scientific society, Sigma Xi.
Valerie and Gil were married in the spring of 1960. With her continued unwavering support, Gilles graduated from Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia. He completed his internship at Hartford Hospital along with a residency of one year of anesthesiology and a three-year residency of OBGYN. Gilles entered a partnership with Dr. H.R. Kuhn and Dr. Frank Marx in New London. Soon, Dr. Marchand became a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and a Junior Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. From 1981-1985, he was also Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.
Gracious and giving, Dr. Marchand was loved by his patients. Many will remember him visiting after hours and going far beyond the call. The endless hours of work, however, didn't impede his ability to enjoy his own family. Valerie and Gilles had three children; Denise, Gilles Jr. (Chip), and MaryBeth. Avid golfer, tennis player, sailor, and skier, Gilles enjoyed sharing his passions with his wife and children. He thoroughly enjoyed times spent together sailing on the Thames River. In addition, skiing at Magic Mountain in Vermont was a favorite of the Marchand family. Gilles was known to tear up the slopes and dance through the moguls. Something else he passed on to his children was a love of reading. In fact, from the age of three, Gilles never went anywhere without a book.
Among the many activities and demands of work, Gilles also coached little league baseball and volunteered as a physician for the Waterford Lancer's football team. He cared deeply for his community and was elected into Waterford's Representative Town Meeting. Forever serving others, Gilles was selfish on one account: his love for The Red Sox and UCONN Girls' Basketball Team. Dr. Gil was known to have brought his snazzy transistor radio into patients' delivery rooms in order to keep track of a good game. Dr. Marchand's life was dedicated to his family, friends and patients and he will be sorely missed. "Not a finer man alive than Gil."
As time moved on, Dr. Marchand became a grandfather, and his competitive nature for card playing and board games was passed on to his grandchildren. He especially loved playing cribbage and monopoly with them, along with unending ping-pong games. After retirement, Gilles and Valerie would travel to Fripp Island, South Carolina where they enjoyed golf, walks on the beach and visits from family and friends. In addition to his grandchildren, Gil was an animal lover. He enjoyed playing with the five "grand-dogs" that brought him many laughs, especially his partner in crime, Scout.
Dr. Marchand is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years. He was the loving son of Donat and Blanche Marchand, predeceased by his cherished older sister, Ruth Wickham and survived by brothers
Donat (Jan) Marchand of Greenwich, CT and Chuck (Diane) Marchand of Virginia. He is also survived by his loving children, Denise Lancaster (Michael) of Blufton, SC, Gilles Marchand Jr. (Chip) of Guilford, CT and MaryBeth Marchand of Old Saybrook, CT and his five grandchildren, Emily, James, Matthew, Timothy, and Jane. Gilles will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, and long-time neighbors and friends.
Calling hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15th, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A memorial mass will assemble at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 16th at St. Agnes Church located on 386-3 Main Street, East Lyme.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gil's memory may be made to the donor's choice in honor his joy for reading – Waterford Public Library, his continuous pursuit of knowledge – Waterford High School Scholarship Fund, or his love of animals - the Waterford-East Lyme Animal Shelte

Published by The New Haven Register on Mar. 13, 2018.
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Just a very caring man!

Janet York

Acquaintance

March 7, 2020

I met Dr Marchand when he was a resident at L&M .i was 19 scared to death and did not know how I would ever get through this thing called having a baby. (1968). Fast forward 20 years and two more children. He was a great friend. He never forgot the names of my children or their interests. We will miss you Gil.
Sharon Bennet

Sharon Bennet

May 5, 2018

Im so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Marchand... He was my ob gyn for many years and delivered my children.. I actually took him off the golf course!! I remember him with nice memories.. my sympathy to his family.

April 8, 2018

Valerie,
I was sorry to hear of your husbands passing. It sounds like he lived a full life with his family and his career. He delivered two of my sons in the 70's. He was a great Dr.
and had a good bedside manner and was easy to talk to with any concerns that I had.
May God comfort you at this sad time. May your wonderful memories with him keep you at peace
with Sympathy Marilyn

Marilyn Moran

March 20, 2018

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

JoAnn Sequara-Morris

March 15, 2018

Dear MaryBeth, I'm so sorry to learn of you dad's passing. Sending thoughts of comfort, healing, and peace.
Deb DeConto

Deborah DeConto

March 15, 2018

Dear Val & Family
Very sorry to hear of Gil's passing. He added so much fun and pleasure to all our skiing in Vermont and ski trips.
He will be truly missed by all.

Fondly,
Marlene & Jim

March 15, 2018

This beautiful man touched so many lives! I never had children but just as a patient, he WAS THE BEST! I would be "on the table", waiting for him, FREEZING and hating being there, and the door would fly open with the biggest gust of SUNSHINE; "Bonjour Mademoiselle!!!!!" he would greet! I loved him; he was funny, kind, caring, everything you could want. A CT relative called me here in FL yesterday to tell me. My heart sank for a man I haven't seen in MANY years yet I will never forget. God Bless you Dr. Marchand; I know Heaven is even brighter with you there. Thank you for being you.

Bonnie Smiley Hoddy

March 15, 2018

Dr Marchand delivered my first child 5-24-73. It was a long labor and I was young and scared. He was so kind, so gentle and so encouraging. I will never forget this Dr and his kindness to me. He was above all a gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. So sorry for your loss.

Joyce Rodolico

March 14, 2018

Joyce Rodolico

March 14, 2018

Val,

Cherish all the beautiful memories you and your family shared and hold them in your heart. He will be with you forever.

Peace my friend.

Kathie Vannini

March 14, 2018

Dear Marchand family,
Dr. Marchand delivered all 4 of my children and took care of me through a very serious surgery. I have fond memories of him delivering my children and watching sports with my husband as I was in labor. My fondest memory is when he came to the hospital and would sit at the end of my bed and make sure I was ok after surgery. When he retired it was impossible to replace him. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made so that he could be there for me and my family. God bless and may God give you strength and peace at this time. Michele Bassetti, East Lyme

March 14, 2018

Aunt Valerie, Denise, Chip, and MaryBeth, I am sorry to hear the news. Uncle Gil was such a big part of our family the cheerful, busy doctor who always found the time to stop in at our home whenever one of us was sick or injured. He was a gracious and generous host, and his kindness to my parents in their final years was nothing short of remarkable. I will always remember him fondly.

Laurie Wickham

March 14, 2018

To the family,

Dr. Marchand delivered my two daughters and will always be remembered. He was a brilliant man and one of my favorite doctors. My prayers to the family and all that knew him.

Cherrie Buscher (Morton)
Orlando, Fl 32835

Cherrie Buscher

March 13, 2018

Dr. Marchand delivered our son, and he was a great doctor. He certainly knew how to take care of his patients, and I never doubted for a moment I was in good hands. He was funny, a nice man and a great doctor. That was in 1975.
May God rest his soul and reward him for all the help he gave all those mothers and babies.

Kathleen Welch

March 13, 2018

He was a kind man and a great doctor! He will definitely be missed by all.My thoughts and prayers are with you,his family. God bless and may he Rest In Peace.

Janet York

March 13, 2018

I Was sad to hear of Dr. Marchand's passing. He was a great ob gyn and was my doctor till he retired. Sending thoughts and prayers to Dr Marchands family. May he rest with the angels. DCascio

Deborah Cascio

March 13, 2018

Dear Marchand Family,
I was so sad to read of Dr. Marchand passing away. I have a wonderful story to tell you about him. On March 15,1977 he delivered my daughter Tara Cook. Five weeks after birth Tara had emergency surgery for pyloric stenosis. At my six week check up, he entered the room to examine me and with him he brought a dozen of pink baby roses and came over, hugged me and said he had heard of the surgery. He told me that every little thing will be alright. I was so touched by how kind he was. This Wednesday will be 41 years that she was born and on April 30, will be the 41 year date of his blessing of the roses to me. I will be thinking of him and hope you remember reading this! You were both lucky and blessed to call him your own.
He was always such a gentle doc with a very warm bedside manner and I respected him immensely. I was fortunate enough to have him as my doctor and will always remember him fondly. God And St.Jude Bless him and hold his family close always. ❤

Alane Miceli Cook

March 13, 2018

The wonderful family,friends,patients,and community is experiencing an enormous loss. Dr.Gil Marchand has departed,leaving a conspicuous void in the lives of countless people.
This terrific human being was my doctor, his daughter tapdanced with us,and most importantly-a dear man and a friend!
Margo Neistat xo

Margo Neistat

March 13, 2018

Dear Val and Family,

So sorry for your loss. I was saddened to read of Gil's passing. He was a great doctor to me and helped in bringing our James into this world. I will never forget his kind bedside manner and always had a smile on his face.
Later golfing with you Val I learned even more about Gil. He was a wonderful doctor and person. Gil will definitely be missed by many that were fortunate enough to know him.
Our prayers and sympathy to you and your family during this most difficult time.
Jane & Joe Nicholas

March 13, 2018

Dear Valerie and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. I was saddened to read of his passing. He was a wonderful doctor to me, helping to bring our James into this world. I will never forget his great bedside manner...always kind and with a smile on his face.
Later on golfing with you Val I got to learn even more about him.
Gil was a great man and great doctor, too. He will be missed for sure.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
With love and sympathy,
Jane & Joe Nicholas

Jane & Joe Nicholas

March 13, 2018

Jane & Joe Nicholas

March 13, 2018

Dr Marchand, new to L&M, stepped in to deliver my son who was born before my OB could get to the hospital. I told my doc he should give my payment to Dr. Marchand who made the experience light hearted. Donna J. Mansfield

March 13, 2018

Dear Valarie

I was deeply saddened by reading of Gill's recent passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gill was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by many.

With my deepest sympathy to you and all your family.

Sincerely,
Lenny

Lenny Winkler

March 13, 2018

The Marchand Family....So sorry for your loss,Gil will be missed by a lot of us.He was a great obgyn, doctor for me.God Bless him and his family.

Dianne Kexel

March 13, 2018

Gil was a wonderful friend, great golf partner, and a truly honorable person. Eve and I will miss our dinner engagements with Val and him. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Val and her family. May his memory be eternal.

Eve & Rit Manthous

March 13, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Mar

15

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

Mar

16

Memorial Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Agnes Church

386-3 Main Street, East Lyme, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home

48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357

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