Jean Richards Gillespie

Jean Richards Gillespie, 79, of Belvedere, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2018. She was born to Marie and Joseph Richards in Leelanau County, Michigan, on May 6, 1938. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she pursued her dream of seeing the world and became an international flight attendant with TWA.

On April 28, 1967, Jean married Donald Gillespie. They moved from San Francisco to Belvedere in 1970, where they built their home and raised their daughter, Laura. Jean was an avid tennis player, enjoying many years of play at the Tiburon Peninsula Club. After their daughter went to college, Jean joined her husband's dental practice as his office manager until they retired in 1997. They were quite a team!

Jean's love of travel remained throughout her life; she particularly enjoyed European vacations with her family. Jean was a voracious reader and history buff. She also relished her weekly bridge games. A lifelong animal lover, she supported many organizations dedicated to the protection of wildlife. Each summer, she looked forward to visiting her family in Michigan and spending time at their Lake Leelanau property. Jean will be remembered for her infectious laugh, generous spirit and most of all, for being a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Laura Gillespie of Belvedere and granddaughter Madeleine Gillespie. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents and brother, James Richards.

Memorial donations may be made to: Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949; marinhumane.org.