Obituary of Madelyn Gilley

Madelyn Mott Gilley was born September 29,1942 in Washington D.C. to Harold & Louise Mott. She lived a fulfilling childhood in Bethesda Maryland, becoming a debutante and then moving on to attend College at Purdue University. There she met her first husband Dennis Liddy with whom she raised 5 children in northwest Indiana. Several years later she and the children relo-cated to Dallas, she met and married her beloved Bob Gilley sharing 32 years together with their adored seven children. Madelyn lived with a zest for life and a deep appreciation for all things clever, fun and beautiful~ all day~ all night. Madelyn rose with the roosters and hooted with the owls, maybe that is why she had so much time to reap the joy of all she enjoyed that being curious fueled. It is hard to put one passion over the other whether it be Modern art, literary fiction, eclectic taste in music, theater, television, French cooking, entertaining, gardening, crafts, collecting, crosswords, ani-mals, her many wheaten terriers, the places she traveled ~ often talking about her favorite beaches, all sports and holidays~especially Christmas. In fact, “Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes” was her favorite theme where she created magic by decking the halls into a winter won-derland, making dozens of cookies and merriment with plenty of wassail for the adults. Known as “Granny” by her 12 cherished grandchildren, she reveled getting down on their level and playing with them as if she was one of them. Last but never the least, Madelyn loved a dirty joke, a strong drink and a True Blue cigarette. Most importantly, she was happiest while spend-ing time with treasured family and friends. Her door was always open, everyone was wel-come~no invitation needed… ever. On Thursday January 14, 2021 Madelyn was blessed to have passed away peacefully with family by her side. She was a free spirit, strong and determined, always bringing people to-gether and bridging friendships. Most likely she will be remembered for her sharp mind, quick wit, talent and for being funny and interesting. The “petite Madelyn Mott” was a beautiful, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend. She was good company, could hang with all and will truly be deeply missed. Madelyn is predeceased by her loving husband Robert Gilley. Survived by her caring sisters Denise (Bill) Hilburn, Deborah (Ken) Weigandt, blessed with children~Colleen (David) Rosen-thal, Kristi (Marc) Barnhill, Timothy(Jennifer) Liddy, Dennis (Bridget) Liddy, Sharon (Colin) Kilgour, Robert Gilley, Sean (Megan) Liddy, and Robert Gilley, prized 12 grandchildren~ Hayley, Kate, Tate, Jones, Bennett, Liam, Madelyn, Jack, Brogan, McClain, Jude, Timothy~ additionally, numerous wonderful nieces and nephews, especially Jenny. And of course, Gracie~ her “Sweetie Wheatie” Family Acknowledgment We wish to express our sincere thanks to extended family and such great friends who have em-braced us with love and good will, you have made life that much sweeter and complete. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Madelyn Gilley to St.Judes Children’s Research Hospital~ stjude.org ~38105 St. Jude Place Memphis,TN 38105~ 800-306-1799~Me-morial I.D.# Funeral Service Live streaming Tuesday June 22, 2021 St. Ann of the Dunes~433 East Golfwood Road, Beverly Shores Father Jon Plavcan Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “WOW! WHAT A RIDE!” ~Hunter S. Thompson~