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Ann was born Oct. 7, 1923 in Yonkers and was the daughter of the late Pelton and Roberta French Preuss. She was predeceased by her two husbands Miles B. Olson and William J. Gillerlain, her sister Barbara P. Reynolds, and daughter Marion C. Gillerlain.
Gillerlain is survived by her daughter Deborah Gagliardi (Gerald) of Lyme, and Boca Raton, Fla., sons, Miles B. Olson ( Nancy) of Madison, Brian D. Olson (Val) of Geneva NY., David Gillerlain (Dorene) of Keene N.H.. and William J. Gillerlain Jr. (Judy) of Mobile Ala.., five grandchildren Miles B. Olson III (Fran), Taylor Olson, Tessa Olson, Marion Kirschner, and Tiffany Gillerlain, three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her beloved aides Monine, Rose and Emmy.
Gillerlain was a graduate of Roosevelt High School (1941) Bronxville, N.Y. and Lasell College (1943). She worked as a secretary at Rockefeller Center in New York City before marrying and moving to New Canaan in 1950. She was devoted to her family, friends, and the New Canaan community. She loved gardening and was an active member of the New Canaan Garden Club for over 45 years, and she was an honorary lifetime member of the New Canaan Beautification League.
She was a leader of Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts. For many years she volunteered and ran the New Canaan Thrift Shop. Additionally, she volunteered at the Waveny Care Center as their Horticulture Plant Therapist for over 35 years. She was very active in the Historical Society, the Nature Center, Staying Put, and the Congregational Church arranging alter flowers for many years and most recently as their historian. Gillerlain loved playing tennis, painting, golfing, traveling, and gardening well into her late 80’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Memorial Donations be made to Vitas Community Connection, 99 Hawley Lane Suite 1204, Stratford. 06614 or any of Ann’s varied interests in the New Canaan community. A Memorial Service will be held at the Congregational Church of New Canaan in the spring and will be announced.
For more information or to sign the guestbook at the Hoyt Funeral Home website, click here.
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