Obituary of Jean L. Gilbert

Jean L. Gilbert (Lilley), 98, of Bainbridge, NY passed peacefully on September 24, 2024 in Stamford, NY. Jean was born on January 20, 1926 in Gilbertsville, NY to Merton Lilley and Marion Olmstead. She was the oldest of 10 children. She attended school in Gilbertsville, NY and she worked for 31 years at Scintilla Bendix Corporation as a gauge crib attendant, retiring in 1991. Jean married Donald Gilbert on March 20, 1945 in Gilbertsville NY. They had 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, leaving behind an amazing legacy. After retirement Jean took up painting. She self-published a book "Gilbertsville - A History In Paint" to memorialize her beautiful paintings of the grand architecture in her beloved hometown of Gilbertsville. She graciously donated these paintings to Major's Inn, in Gilbertsville, for the town she grew up in to continue to enjoy and admire. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and recently, great-great grandchildren. She loved ice cream dates where rainbow sprinkles were always a must. Her smile would light up the room and her laugh was always genuine and contagious. For those who knew her best, her quick wit was a joy to experience! She is survived by her brothers Keith (Barbara) Lilley of Gilbertsville, Wayne (Doni) Lilley of South New Berlin, NY, and sister Sharon Lilley of Nebraska. Also survived by children Brett (Cathy) Gilbert of Gilbertsville, Dale (Sharon) Gilbert of Otego, NY, Cheryl Youngs of Rio Rico, AZ and Unadilla, NY and Rhonda Slicer of Jefferson, NY. Survivors include grandchildren Steven Poole of Rio Rico, AZ, Scott (Yvonne) Poole of Merideth, NY, Ty Poole of Latham, NY, Jon Youngs of AZ, Christine (Rick) Sbragia of Rio Rico, AZ, Jason Richard of NC, Penny (Bill) Paolo of Baldwinsville, NY, Gary (Marissa) Richard of Virginia Beach, VA, Tara (Burton) Finch of Morris, NY, Keri (Ben) Johnson of Farmers Branch, TX, Kristyn (Jamie) Hoffman of Gilbertsville, Jessica Gage of Charlotte, NC, Austin Slicer of Jefferson, NY, Jordan Slicer of Jefferson, NY, James Slicer of Jefferson, NY, and Kelly Slicer of Jefferson, NY. As well as great grandchildren Kayla Semmel, of PA, Tyler Poole of PA, Brandon Poole of San Antonio, TX, Victoria Richard (Derek Garrard) of Rio Rico, AZ, Abigail Paolo of Baldwinsville, NY, Lauren Paolo of Baldwinsville, NY, Erica Paolo of Baldwinsville, NY, Alex (Annie) Poole of Merideth, NY, Krystal Poole of Merideth, NY, RaeLynne Poole of Tucson, AZ, Wyatt Poole of Sidney, NY, Kaitlyn Finch of Morris, NY, Brennan Finch of Morris, NY, Cora Johnson of Farmers Branch, TX, Aiden Hoffman of Gilbertsville, Devon Hoffman of Gilbertsville, Mason Hoffman of Gilbertsville, Heidi, and Brandy Burgin and 4 great-great grandchildren as well as many extended and bonus family that she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Gilbert, her parents Merton Lilley and Marion Olmstead, siblings Elizabeth Haynes, Bruce Lilley, Virginia VanValkenburg, Clyde Lilley, Warren Lilley, Marilyn Engaard, daughter Dona Poole, and son-in-law Douglas Youngs. Private burial be held on September 26, 2024 at Brookside Cemetery in Gilbertsville NY.