Carol Stewart, known to most as Gillian or Gil, 78, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on July 30, at the University of Utah Hospital. David, her beloved partner of over 30 years, and her daughter, Wendy, were at her side.
Gillian was born Dec. 19, 1941, to Daniel Vail Jackson Sr. and Mary (Desmond) Jackson in Riverside, New Jersey. She grew up in Massachusetts with her two brothers, David and Daniel Jackson Jr.
She graduated from nursing school in 1963, and spent the next 37 years working in nursing in various capacities — as an operating room nurse, in ER triage, psychiatric nursing and even excelled as a director of nursing. Gillian was born to be a nurse — she was caring and giving, but strong and tough when needed.
After retiring, she moved to Evanston with her partner, David, to be closer to friends and enjoy Wyoming. Gil joined her friend, Marilyn Tacoma, as a respected member of the business community when she became a partner in the Marigold Merchant for eight years. She made new friends easily and loved the small town she called home for 24 years.
Both as an experienced counselor and a reverend, Gillian volunteered at a battered women’s shelter and the senior center before age and infirmity made it necessary to stop. After that, she loved playing bridge with the ladies, shopping estate or yard sales with friends, and the annual Fort Bridger Rendezvous, as well as Bear River Mountain Men Rendezvous. One of her favorite haunts was the library, where she found books that she regularly devoured.
While Gillian had three children of her body — Jason, Wendy and Jonathan — she had many children of the heart. She was an extremely loving and giving woman who regularly adopted people as her “children” or “grandchildren.” She didn’t have it in her to love all of her “adopted kids” any less than those born to her. She was always available to listen, give advice, comfort, or even a swift kick in the pants if that was needed.
Very strong in her spiritual beliefs, Gil was always willing to teach and share all she knew or learned in a long life of exploration and research — yet she never stopped learning and seeking growth for herself.
She is preceded by her parents, Daniel and Mary; her brothers, David and Danny; and too many friends to count.
Gil is survived by her partner, David; and her children, Jason Duehr, Wendy (Duehr) Price and Jonathan Smith; along with the multitude of family of the heart and friends across the country.
Mother, teacher, caregiver and friend — all these and more describe the amazing beautiful soul that has departed the body we knew as Gillian. She is loved always and will be missed greatly.
