Gillian Tyler

Dear friends and loved ones, it is with heavy hearts that we share the somber news of the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Gillian Tyler. Gillian held a special place in the hearts of many as a friend, colleague, classmate, and confidante- and for us, as Mom and Momps. As we extend this message, we know she would have wanted us to convey her love and gratitude to each of you. 

Gillian was a force of strength, independence, and resilience. She was a trailblazer, an artist, and an academic, inspiring us endlessly with her adventurous spirit and distinctive sense of humor and wit. 

Her academic awards, including the Fulbright and Max Beckmann Scholarships, and her many solo journeys across the globe to paint are a testament to her unwavering determination. Gillian was also an entrepreneur who not only established a successful printing press at the age of 27 and ran a successful tack shop, but also founded a thriving community theater company, The Parish Players, which endures to this day over half a century later. She was an esteemed artist showcasing her work in some of the nation's most prestigious galleries. 

Gillian was uniquely capable of finding beauty in unexpected places. Whether silently walking in the woods, scaling mountains, exploring new countries, riding her horse, or simple being with loved ones, she reveled in life's beauty with verve and boldness. 

We are immensely fortunate to have shared many precious moments with her, including over the past weeks and months. Despite the challenges of declining health, Gillian faced these difficulties with bravery and a jovial spirit.

Gillian’s first marriage was to the the Rev. Ed Tyler, Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Thetford on Thetford Hill in Vermont.  From that union a daughter, Hilary, became the subsequent mother of Gillian’s grand children, Jessica, Dylan, and Terri.  

After Ed Tyler’s death, Gillian remarried. Her late-in-life second marriage to Jim Hughes brought four adult step-children into her family.

Gillian and Jim were faithful attendees of the Thetford Hill church until their move in 2022 to Assisted Living at Harvest Hill in Lebanon, NH.

Gill’s death at Harvest Hill was greatly eased by regular family visits from near and afar, hospice care, and by two stuffed animals. Gill, although greatly depleted in strength, treated these inanimate creatures as living play-actors on her counterpane, and treated herself as the caring Parish Players Director she had been a half century ago. A good Director supportively forgives. Gill was a good Director .

If you would like to support a cause in her name, we would like to invite you to make a donation to the Parish Players at 193 Academy Rd/ PO Box 136, Thetford, VT 05074.

A Celebration of Life ceremony for close friends and family to honor and celebrate Gillian's remarkable life and work will be held at the First Thetford Congregational Church on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 1 pm.