Avis Ellen Gillison

Avis Gillison

Avis Ellen Gillison passed away on December 28th, 2016 at her assisted living residence in Lynwood, Washington. She was 94. Avis lived most of her life in the Seattle area, residing in Vashon Island, Kirkland, Redmond, and, most recently, Arlington, all ideal settings for her hobbies of painting and gardening.

Born in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, Avis was the only child of Lilian and WWI veteran Robert Hoagland and spent her formative years in Chicago, Illinois, graduating from Lakeview High School and Wright Junior College. At the end of WWII, she married James H. Gillison, Jr., her high school sweetheart, valedictorian, and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient who predeceased her by 38 years. His civilian career took them to the Philippines where their sons James and Robert were born and later to southern California and birth of their daughter, Michele. A housewife while her children were growing, Avis also worked in clerical positions at CBS, Lockheed, and the American Red Cross.

Avis is survived by her three children, 10 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren who still reside in the Pacific Northwest and habitually gathered at “Ma’s place” to celebrate holidays. Avis loved holidays, her family, and was a devout Christian. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.