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Rose GILDNER-WITOUS
Rose GILDNER-WITOUS
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Rose GILDNER-WITOUS Obituary
Rose Gildner-Witous
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Rose Gildner-Witous, 81, died at 4:28 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at River Birch Senior Living.
She was born Feb. 25, 1932, in Ashkum, Ill., to James and Agnes McCarthy Donovan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, August R. Gildner in 1978; second husband, John "Jack" Witous in 2007; two brothers, James and Joseph Donovan; and one sister, Mary Haas.
Rose was the loving mother of eight children: Theresa (Doug) Mosser of Highland Park, Julie Rechner of Springfield, Laura (Tripper) Phipps of Bloomington, Mary (John) Davis of Springfield, A. Robert (Cathy) Gildner, Jr. of Columbia, S.C., James (Libby) Gildner of Springfield, William Gildner of Knoxville, Tenn., and Joseph (Beth) Gildner of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; grandmother of 29, great-grandmother of six with twins on the way; two sisters, Agnes (Jim) Yeakel of Destin, Fla., and Ann Higgins of Chenoa; one brother, John (Jane) Donovan of Albany, Ore.
She attended St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Ind., and has been a resident of Springfield most of her life.
Rose was a member of Christ the King Church, St. Joseph's Coterie, Island Bay Yacht Club and Sangamo Club.
Rose so loved her family and treasured her many friendships. She loved singing and dancing at family gatherings. Rose was devoted to her Catholic faith and cherished her visits to The University of Notre Dame and St. Mary's College.
Gathering: 10-11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Christ the King Church.
Memorial Mass: 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Christ the King Church, Rev. Joseph Ring and Msgr. David Lantz concelebrating. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Bloomington, Ill.
Memorials may be made to River Birch Senior Living House #3 or St. Joseph's Coterie.
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December 10, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Donovan,Gildner and Witous families as
Rose returns to the God she loved. She exemplified faith joy and serenity.
Although we hadn't seen Rose in many years, we treasure the memories of earlier years.
God bless you all.
Jane (Donovan)Ryan and Beba(Donovan)Donovan-daughters of Tom and Mary
Donovan-Chicago,Il..
Bob Meckes
December 8, 2013
Jim , Mom told me about your loss. My sympathy to you and all the Gildners.
Steve Haas
December 6, 2013
When I was child and we would visit the Gildner family home, we were always made to feel special. Uncle Bob was bigger than life and Aunt Rose so full of grace, charm and beauty.
Our deepest sympathy to all of my cousins and their families
Luke Gildner
December 6, 2013
I will cherish the memories vacationing to Springfield and seeing Nana. I will always remember her contagious laugh and love of life. I am honored to be her grandson. I love you Nana!
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Patrick Hockenbury
December 6, 2013
My sympathy. Your Family is in my thoughts.
Catherine E. Canfield
December 5, 2013
Jim, Libby, and families: My prayers and condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your memories. God Bless.
Paula & Tom Denny
December 5, 2013
Our deepest sympathies, she was a wonderful Lady
December 5, 2013
Julie, Jim (Libby) and the Gildners,
Sorry for your loss. Our mothers went back for well over 50 years as friends, especially their St. Joseph's corterie group that stayed together for so long. I'm glad you chose this picture --your mom was absolutely beautiful. Libby and Jim thanks again for all you did for Mom when the two were at River Birch together. Oh, Julie -- I still remember the "picnic table" and how your mom could find an extra place for another kid. You all are in my prayers.
Jon and Amy Erickson
December 5, 2013
Our deepest sympathies to Dr Gildner, Libby and your entire family. We are praying for you all during this difficult time.
Jon and Amy Erickson
Pamela Reyhan Pankauskas
December 5, 2013
I am sorry to hear about Rose's passing.
I have such wonderful memories of her. She was such a creative person - sewing a trendsetting outfit in no time at all. (She would have easily won on Project Runway.)
What I found so endearing about Rose is that she always had it together. One would never know she's the mother of 8 children. She made everything look so effortless and was a great role model. God bless and rest in peace.
John @ Barb @Family Mifflin
December 5, 2013
We will all miss your Mom as we do your Dad. You were such a special part of our family as you kids were growing up. We are so sorry that we can't be there for the visitation and funeral but we are there in our thoughts. Take care and know that we love you all.
Tracie and Gregg Lowis
December 5, 2013
Mary I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Yeakel
December 5, 2013
On behalf of the Yeakel family, Jim and Aggie, Jim Jr, Mike, myself and Kelly (Flecker), our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gildner and Donvan families. Aunt Rose was a beautiful and wonderful woman, whom we all loved and will miss very much.
Joanne Gaston
December 5, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you, Dr. Gildner, and your entire family on the loss of your mother. You will all remain in my prayers.
Jim Donovan
December 5, 2013
I wish to extend condolences to all of the Gildner-Witous and Donovan families at Aunt Rose's passing on behalf of Connie, Theresa, myself, Marguerite and Colleen. It always felt like the sun was shining in Aunt Rose's presence. We look forward to sharing memories and celebrating a life well lived. Until then you are all in our hearts and prayers. Respectfully, Jim Donovan
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