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Rita T. Gillespie, school bus driver

January 9, 2018

Rita T. Gillespie, 75, of Lewes, passed away at her residence Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. She was born Oct. 9, 1942, in Yeadon, Pa., daughter of the late Anthony and Rita (Lee) Torella.

Mrs. Gillespie graduated from St. Maria Goretti High School in Philadelphia, Pa. She worked as a school bus driver for 30 years for the Gloucester Township Board of Education in New Jersey. She was a CCD teacher for many years at St. John Vienney Parish in Blackwood Terrace, N.J.

After moving to Lewes almost 11 years ago, Mrs. Gillespie and her husband Tom became members of Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church. She was also a member of the American Legion, Post 17 Auxiliary in Lewes. She also worked as an Avon representative throughout the years. In her spare time, she enjoyed being with her family and friends, and loved frequenting the casino. Mrs. Gillespie was also known for wielding a rolling pin with authority.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gillespie was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Erin Doyle. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Thomas W. Gillespie of Lewes; her children: Rita K. Platt of Millsboro, Richard Gusovius and his wife Tina of Inwood, W.Va., and Janine Doyle and her fiancé Stuart of Gloucester City, N.J.; and her six grandchildren: Wesley Wheeler, John Doyle Jr., Dennis Platt, Erik Doyle, Elizabeth Gusovius and Stuart Reckard Jr.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, Jan. 12,, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Gillespie's name to the Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Healthcare, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Mrs. Gillespie's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

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