Norma Jean ("Dolly") Gillett passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Munson Hospice House following a two year battle with ovarian cancer.

An Ann Arbor native, she had been a resident of Williamsburg, MI since 2001 and a seasonal resident of Venice, FL since 1991.


Dolly was born in Ann Arbor on August 7, 1931, the daughter of Norman and Norma (Meyer) Garnder. On January 6, 1950, she married Jack C. Gillett of South Haven, who survives. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Dr. Ward (Mary) Gillett of Traverse City, and daughter, Joy Gillett of Easton, PA, grandchildren Katie Gillett of Alexandria, VA, and Alexandra Gillett of Chicago, IL, brother Roy (Vera) Gardner of Tecumseh, MI, sister Doris Austin of Holder, FL, niece Amy (Lee) McMaster and nephew Steve (Leslie) Austin and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Robert Austin.


Dolly loved Ann Arbor, growing up on Berkley Street and graduating from Ann Arbor High School in 1949. She attended Eastern Michigan University and worked as an administrative professional while Jack completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and military service during the Korean War. They lived for several years in Aberdeen, MD and Pasadena, TX, before returning to Ann Arbor to raise their family in their home on Kirtland Drive, just a few blocks from Pioneer High School and the University of Michigan football stadium.


Dolly was a homemaker while her children were young, volunteering for many school, extracurricular and community activities including the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and Girl Scouts. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and an active member of the Thimble Collectors Society. Dolly later returned to administrative work at the Ann Arbor Y and several Ann Arbor tech companies before retiring in the early 90's. She loved watching her children and grandchildren at all stages of their lives and was very proud of the adults they became.

A gifted baker, her bright red kitchen was often filled with smells of fresh baked cookies that were quickly consumed by family, friends, grandchildren and more than a few pets. Dolly was also a talented seamstress and quilter, creating beautiful works – from hand-smocked children's dresses to elaborate pieced quilts – that will be treasured for generations. She loved animals, with many furry Gilletts a much loved part of the family. Dolly and Jack enjoyed antiques and art fairs, often combining travels with quests for new "finds," as well as true blue fans every football Saturday at the Big House. In later life, they split their time between winters in Venice, FL and summers in Michigan. They relocated from Ann Arbor to the Grand Traverse region in 2002.


There is no service planned. A private family celebration of life will take place later this year. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Francis Animal Rescue in Nokomis, Florida, or Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

The family is being served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Memories can be shared at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .