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Mary Gillaspy Obituary
Mary "Maisie" Porter Gillaspy, 86, of Harleysville, passed away on July 5, 2018.
Born in Illinois on June 6, 1932, she was the youngest child of the late Howard "Hoddy" Porter and Mary Weber Porter, and was preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Bessette and Claire Biel; and brother, Howard "Chappie" Porter. She grew up in southern Illinois and attended the University of Illinois.
Mary and her beloved husband, Dawson Gillaspy recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. For about 15 years, Mary and Dawson created reproduction style tin toys, known as Tin by Gillaspys, which were all of their own design and making, traveling all over the country to display and sell.
Mary was the loving mother to son, Thomas Gillaspy (Grace), Beth Allen (Jim), Ann McHugh (J.C.) and Jane Hall (Scott); grandmother to: Michael Burner, Megan Miller, Timothy Allen, Andrew Allen, Lauren Hall, Mitchell Hall, Caroline Hall and ten great-grandchildren.
A private, family "celebration of life" is being planned for the near future.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Gillaspy
6 Entries
July 11, 2018
To my brother Dawson and family. I'm sorry for your loss. However, I still have memories of her, you and the kids when you were still living in Illinois.
God bless you all.
Dick and Pat
Cousin Jimmy
July 9, 2018
Dawson, Tom, Beth, Annie & Janie -
You have been in my thoughts along with those of dear Cousin Maisie. She is an extremely talented, witty and loving person, one of a kind, unique, beautiful. She had the knack of making me feel welcomed, important and loved. What a gift, one that you, Dawson, and your kids have, too.
For the last 14 years the first thing my feet touch every morning is Maisie and my Halloween rug. I immediately think of her and then start the Aunt Mary litany (Mary, Hoddy, Ann, Joe, Dan... Mitchell Caroline.) I love that.
The biggest blessing I've received from moving to the East Coast 11 years ago is knowing my dear cousin and her wonderful family, my family.
Love for Maisie. Love to you all - Cousin Jimmy
Jim Rittenhouse Jr
July 7, 2018
Very sorry to hear about Mrs. Gillespie's passing. She was a neighbor many, many years ago in North Wales. I played with her grandson Michael Burner almost every single day as a kid when she watched him.
July 6, 2018
Dawson and family, I am very sad to hear of Mary's passing. Although I did not know her well, I will surely miss her. We will all miss her and her humor. God be with you always Mary.
Pat Povazan....Gyweed Nursing home Mary sat at Mom's table
July 6, 2018
To Dawson, kids, and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mary's talents, kindness, and heart-warming smile will live on in her wonderful children and all the generations to follow. God be with you all. Love ya's. Diane and family.
July 6, 2018
I have amazing memories of Maise and Dawson in our visits with my grandmother Ann Bessette. I still treasure the tin toy plane mobile I have. Thoughts with you all..
Danielle Bessette Weidman
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