Deleine Gillespie, a beloved mother and friend, passed away on October 9, 2023. Born on January 28, 1939, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Deleine spent her life dedicated to connecting with and serving others. She was a radiant beacon of warmth, empathy, and compassion. As Albert Schweitzer once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” Deleine put these words into action every day of her life.
For many years, Deleine was the first face people saw at a bustling hospital in South Africa. As a medical receptionist, she was more than just a gatekeeper; she was a friend, a confidante, and a source of comfort for everyone who walked through the door. She greeted everyone with a smile, always ready to lend an ear or offer words of encouragement. Her genuine care for people was evident in the way she empathetically listened to their stories, shared their joys, and comforted their sorrows. Deleine’s spirit exemplified the words of Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Deleine was a loving mother to her two sons, Kevin and Derek Gillespie. She was also a cherished mother-in-law to Pearl Malikul and Reese Lai. Moreover, she was a sweet and generous grandmother to Andrea Gillespie. In her presence, family meant everything, and her love for her family was boundless. Despite the pain of being widowed, she found strength in her family and friends, and remained a pillar of strength for her sons. Deleine was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Jos de Jongh, and her loving husband, Robert Gillespie.
Deleine’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, compassion, and love. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the importance of service, compassion, and genuine connection.
A Memorial Service honoring Deleine’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Llano Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, 2900 S. Hayes St. (Old Section.) If you are unable to attend Deleine’s service but would like to view via Zoom Link, please join with link shown below:
Topic: Deleine Gillespie’s Memorial ServiceTime: Oct 14, 2023 10:55 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
I love the way Deleine’s face would light up whenever she saw a loved one. She was a kind and loving soul. I will miss her terribly.