Birth date: Sep 9, 1920 Death date: Feb 5, 2016
Helen Wilson was born in Tazewell, Virginia. She was the third child of Georgia Ann Yost and Robert Lorenzo Gillespie. She had five sisters and three brothers. Helen died of natural causes, at the Treasure Coast Hospice Center in Read Obituary
I met Helen, though we called her Gilly, through my mother, Mary Ann Hyde. We lived in Potomac and my parents were good friends with the Wilsons. My mother, Gilly and Jo Humbert liked to ski and went on skiing trips together. That's how my family came to live in Aspen. My most vivid memories of Gilly were when she lived at the farm with Uncle Bob. During and after college, I visited often. We had such fun together! Every morning Uncle Bob would declare at the round table in the kitchen, "I wonder what new and exciting things will happen to us today!" Gilly was such a bright spirit and lived life to its fullest. She was a beautiful, curious, enthusiastic, athletic, kind person and she always knew how to have fun. I'm so glad she found love again after Uncle Bob passed away. Though I didn't know Norv very well, I do know she was happy with him and they took good care of each other. Gilly and I kept in touch these many years. I don't think a Christmas ever went by that I didn't have a card from Gilly. She meant a lot to me. I'll always remember her great spirit, her love for her family, the farm, swimming, skiing and aviation. My heartfelt condolences. She lived a good, full life and will be dearly missed.
- Carolyne Hyde
Helen was strong, athletic, independent and adventuresome. As you know, at times she could be cantankerous, but she loved her family. My father, Norval was blessed to have Helen during his later years. She tried her best to care for him and Norv appreciated her devotion. They were good companions and shared a special bond. According to Helen, they never fought. Helen and Norv kept each other's spirits up when they encountered health problems. When Norval fell and broke his hip, Helen was there every day by his side during surgery and rehabilitation, supporting him. Within 8 weeks, while Norv was recouping in Florida, he fell and broke his opposite hip. He was so emotionally distraught, questioning if he could endure it all again! I will never forget how Helen got down on the floor, cradled and comforted Norv, soothing and encouraging him. Thank you Helen for your love of Norv.
