In 1945 Gillian was born in Preston, Lancashire, the second daughter of Enid (a teacher) and the Rev. William Leathem. She was married to Physics teacher, Karl, became mother to Andrew and Nigel, and grandmother to Joshua and Jacob.

Gillian was a rather poorly child, dearly loved by her parents and sister Brigid. Educated in Harborne Junior School, she was helped greatly by her sister who taught her to read when she was too ill to attend school herself. She recovered from these childhood illnesses and was able to attend Harborne Junior school and in due time won a place at King Edward VI High School For Girls, where she flourished academically and was eventually appointed Head Girl by the redoubtable “Lolly Will” – Mrs Lloyd-Williams.

Gillian left KEHS halfway through the third Sixth Year, having been awarded a place at Girton College, Cambridge, and found temporary employment in Hudson’s, the Birmingham University book shop, where she and Karl met and became boyfriend and girlfriend. They were married just weeks after her graduation having been awarded a First-Class honours degree

She enjoyed a long and happy family life with her husband and sons.

Gill subsequently taught RE at Holly Lodge school and then at the Church of England College in Edgbaston where her energy and enthusiasm resulted in her being severely over-worked and, eventually, forced into early retirement.

She gave birth to two sons and supported her husband (with energy, fidelity, loyalty and love). She was an enthusiastic innovator at school and church but, later in life, Gill’s health gradually deteriorated and, in Field House Care Home, sadly, she passed away on 26 October 2023.  As a teenager and for the rest of her life, she was a deeply committed Christian.

Her gravestone in Quinton cemetery reads:

“Sadly mourned

Greatly missed,

Forever with the Lord”.

Karl McIlwaine (husband)