Jayne Mullen Gilligan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jayne Mullen Gilligan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, cherished friend and trusted, gifted counselor on June 24, 2024, at the age of 86.
Born on November 26, 1937, on Chicago’s west side, Jayne was the precious eldest daughter of John Francis and Mary “Bess” Mullen. She graduated from Trinity High School as Class President and went on to earn a degree in Education from Rosary College, following which she taught elementary school children at the Jenner School in the Cabrini Green housing project. The positive influence she made on these young lives was a direct result of her empathetic, perceptive nature – something she would later take forward in raising her own family and her future psychology career.
Jaynie married Dr. William James Gilligan on New Year’s Eve, 1960. Together, they shared nearly 64 years of a life together, a life which was rich in love, joy and a strong but quiet dedication to their family and community. Their deep, enduring affection and their unrelenting commitment to each other was both inspiring and profound.
As her children grew, Jaynie returned to formal education, earning a degree in Clinical Psychology from George Williams College. As a practicing psychologist, she co-founded the Institute of Motivational Development in the western suburbs of Chicago and later founded the Young Mothers Group for high school girls at Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart in Wicker Park -- counselling and compelling these promising young women to stay in school and complete their education being a top priority for Jaynie.
Jaynie was a dedicated and prolific reader. In fact, she was on a first name basis with all of the librarians in Oak Brook, Crystal Lake (Michigan) and Montecito (California). Jaynie had a special appreciation for Airedales, geraniums, theatre, neighborhood bakeries, reading glasses and lipsticks. She was also an unparalleled connoisseur of BBQ sauce. Jaynie was an amazing listener, all the more so if you had a good story. Jaynie was known for her fondness of Irish Goodbyes, to which she held true to the very end.

 Jaynie is survived by her husband William, daughters Katie Gilligan (Jamie Considine), Mimi Gilligan (Sean Carney), Megan Joy (Jack Joy), son John T. Gilligan (Lisa Gilligan), brother Michael Mullen, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, who will forever hold dear her memory. Jaynie was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia "Pip" Stahlschmidt, sister Joann Degnan and brother John Mullen. Her casual elegance, wit, warmth, grace and strength will be a lasting legacy to all who knew her. 

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Jaynie will take place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at St Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 306 West Fourth Street, Hinsdale, Illinois 60521, with Visitation commencing at 10:00am followed by Mass at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in Jaynie’s memory to the Chicago Jesuit Academy (www.chicagojesuitacademy.org).