Jean M. Gross

1918 - 2023

Jean M. Gross

August 27, 1918 - August 19, 2023

Jean Marie Gross was born August 27, 1918, to Albert H. and Lily Christie Ostick in Chorley, Lancashire, England, and died at home on Hilton Head Island - 8 days short of her 105th birthday. While still in school, Jean had the opportunity to train with the Old Vic in London, which began her lifelong love of theater. Professionally, she served as a physical therapist during World War II near her home in Northern England. Following the end of the war in Europe, she married Armand M. Gross, a U.S. Army Air Corps Captain, on July 19, 1945. After their marriage, Jean joined Armand in Toledo, Ohio where he was part of the Gross Electric family firm. There they had three daughters – Lesley, Gwynneth, and Jennifer.

While in Ohio, Jean was involved in a variety of cultural and social activities with the Daughters of the British Empire, the Episcopal Church/Church of England, several local choirs, and local theater groups. Her award-winning performances were among the first to be video-recorded and shown on local television and she appeared as a model and actress in local TV ads. Jean was also actively involved in Hadassah and an ecumenical organization focused on social justice. Jean and Armand spent their years in retirement travelling, golfing, and enjoying music. After Armand's death, Jean moved to Hilton Head Island where she lived with Lesley and her husband. John Gilbert. until her death. During her 12 years on the Island, she enjoyed the Hilton Head Symphony, events at the Arts Center, being part of the audience for the World Affairs Council of Hilton Head's Friday presentations and attending All Saints Episcopal Church every week. Jean even found time to accompany John and Lesley on several river and ocean cruises. Her last cruise, when she was 99 years old, was a 10-day Alaska adventure.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Lesley and her husband, John Gilbert, of Hilton Head Island, Gwynneth Barton of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jennifer Kuhn of Perrysburg, Ohio; her grandson, James Gilbert, his wife, Kristen, and Jean's great-grandchildren, Ryan and Kyleigh Gilbert live in Granville, Ohio; her grandson, Craig Gilbert and his wife, Michelle (Shelly) live near Knoxville, Tennessee; and Jean's great-granddaughter, Kira Gilbert-Rosgen, and her husband, Brendan, live in the Dayton, Ohio area. Jennifer's daughters, Jeanette and Becki (husband, Jay Barman and daughter, Eve) live in Perrysburg, Ohio; and Jessica lives in Denver, Colorado.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church at a future date. Memorial gifts may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church or to a charity of choice.