Jayne Mullen Gilligan, 86, a former Hinsdale resident, passed away June 24, 2024.
Born in 1937 on Chicago's west side, Jayne was the eldest daughter of John Francis and Mary "Bess" Mullen. She graduated from Trinity High School as class president and went on to earn a degree in Education from Rosary College, following which she taught elementary school children at the Jenner School in the Cabrini Green housing project. The positive influence she had on these young lives was a direct result of her empathetic, perceptive nature - something she would later take forward in raising her own family and her future psychology career.
Jaynie married Dr. William James Gilligan on New Year's Eve, 1960. Together, they shared nearly 64 years of a life together, a life rich in love, joy and a strong but quiet dedication to family and community.
As her children grew, Jaynie returned to formal education, earning a degree in clinical psychology from George Williams College. As a practicing psychologist, she co-founded the Institute of Motivational Development in the western suburbs of Chicago and later founded the Young Mothers Group for high school girls at Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart in Wicker Park - counseling and compelling these promising young women to stay in school and complete their education being a top priority for Jaynie.
Jaynie was a dedicated and prolific reader. In fact, she was on a first-name basis with all of the librarians in Oak Brook, Crystal Lake (Michigan) and Montecito (California). Jaynie had a special appreciation for Airedales, geraniums, theater, neighborhood bakeries, reading glasses and lipsticks. She was also an unparalleled connoisseur of BBQ sauce. Jaynie was an amazing listener, all the more so if you had a good story. Jaynie was known for her fondness of Irish goodbyes, to which she held true to the very end.
Her casual elegance, wit, warmth, grace and strength will be a lasting legacy to all who knew her.
Jaynie is survived by her husband, William; her daughters, Katie (Jamie Considine) Gilligan, Mimi (Sean Carney) Gilligan and Megan (Jack) Joy; her son, John T. (Lisa) Gilligan; her brother, Michael Mullen; her 11 grandchildren; and her six great-grandchildren.
Jaynie was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia "Pip" Stahlschmidt and Joann Degnan; and her brother, John Mullen.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 306 W. Fourth St., Hinsdale.
A Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the Chicago Jesuit Academy at http://www.chicagojesuitacademy.org.
