Sister Barbara Gilland

Sister Barbara Gilland (Sister Margaret Mary) of the Sisters of Mercy died peacefully on September 29, 2018 at St. Mary Home, West Hartford. She was born on July 1, 1929 in Waterbury of the late William J. and Ruth (Daniell ) Gilland, Sr. and was raised there until her entrance into the Sisters of Mercy in December of 1947 following her graduation from Waterbury Catholic High School. Sister Barbara made her vows on June 28, 1950. She earned a B.A. degree from St. Joseph College, now University of St. Joseph, becoming a successful primary school teacher in multiple elementary schools in the dioceses of Hartford and Bridgeport for 16 years. In 1964 Sister Barbara left her love of teaching young children to accept and commit herself wholeheartedly in ministry to the elderly, first at Mercyknoll, then at St. Mary Home for the next thirty years. Devoted to her family, Sister Barbara returned to Waterbury where for almost a decade she became a tireless, faithful, and loving caregiver for her infirmed mother and other family members until their deaths. This example of selfless giving remains appreciated by her nieces and nephews to this day. Sister Barbara returned to St. Mary Home for retirement in 2001. She especially enjoyed her lengthy volunteer service, and considered it a privilege, to be sacristan for Chapel services. Before her own illness, Sister enjoyed a milestone 70th anniversary celebration among her sisters in Mercy last year. She had a remarkable memory for names and events. Her distinctive friendliness invited the acquaintance of many previously unknown to her. Sister Barbara always included them in prayer as friends. Nothing pleased her more than retelling stories of her two loves, very young children and the elderly to whom she devoted her Mercy life. She is predeceased by her three brothers and one sister in law. She is survived by her sister in law Sharon Vickery of Waterbury, nieces and nephews, James Gilland, Jr. of Waterbury, Maryellen and husband John Perugini of Watertown, Kimberly and husband Brian Williams of Waterbury, several grand nieces and nephews and her grateful community of the Sisters of Mercy. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday, October 4 at 6:00p.m. St. Mary Home Chapel, 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford preceded by calling hours from 3:00-5:00p.m. Burial will be at 9:00a.m. on Friday at St. Mary Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial gift in Sister’s name are asked to consider Sisters of Mercy 25 Prescott St. West Hartford, CT 06110. Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com