Lillian Gill

is honored with a Brick from Roger, Tash, Kirsten, Larry, Wesley, Kaaren and Christophe.

The opportunity to honor Lillian with a place in the Plaza of Heroines is of special importance, as she is truly a heroine to Wichita, Wichita State University and to our family.

Lillian came to Wichita from Boston after her marriage to Charles W. (Sunny) Gill, whom she met during World War II. Although she is not a Wichita native, she has given back to the community she calls home. Because of her training as a nurse and performing duties as an Army Nurse during World War II she volunteered with the American Red Cross. She also volunteered at The Wichita Children's Home where she graciously served as President of the Board during the building phase of The Children's Home.

Due to her mother's influence, Lillian has always been a dedicated sports nut. Being from Boston, she still follows the Red Sox's, Bruins and the Celtics. She often tells "never before known" stories of her experiences relating to sports personalities and events.

It is her love of sports, and the fact that Sunny graduated from Wichita University, that Lillian wasted no time getting involved with athletics at WSU. Sunny and Lillian have held season tickets to the Shocker basketball games for many years. You could never call either of them fickle as they continued to follow the Shockers through the lean years. You could always count on seeing them at the basketball games at Henry Levitt Arena. When baseball returned to the athletic program, they extended their support to the baseball program, the coach, and the players. After Sunny's death in 1992, Lillian has continued to support WSU athletics.
Lillian's compassion reaches far beyond what she has done for the American Red Cross, The Wichita Children's Home, and WSU athletics. Lillian's love for animals was the Kansas Humane Society's gain and when she hears a news story about a family needing assistance, she is always the first one to offer her help when help is greatly needed.

Our family has truly been blessed to have her as a part of our lives. We treasure the memories and new experiences that we share with her. She never forgets a birthday or anniversary and is always the first family member to send a thank you, a note of encouragement, a note of congratulations, or just a note to remind one that tomorrow is a new day.

She is the most caring, generous, considerate and honest lady we have known, a true heroine.

June 7, 1999