Gillian "Jill" Hollister

Gillian (“Jill”) Hollister was called to her heavenly home on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc. She was 87 years old.

She was born Gillian Martha Brady on August 12, 1937, in Hartford, Connecticut, to parents John F. and Gertrude Brady (nee Clifford). 

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her 4 children: Mark (Mary) Hollister, Beth (Daniel) Wilkins, Stephen (Linda) Hollister, and Megan (Robert) Hintz; her 11 grandchildren: Cassie, Matthew, Nikki, Jonathan, Michael, Daniel, Jacob, Stephen, Benjamin, Taylor, and Joseph; and her 8 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Trinity, Luke, Trevor, Addison, Elaina, Eric, Madeline, Calvin and James. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert J. Hollister. Also preceded by her two brothers, John and Richard Brady. 

Jill studied piano and voice for many years, graduating from St. Joseph University in Hartford CT, where she majored in Music. She met the love of her life, Robert Hollister, at their beloved Old Lyme Shores, CT, and were married on August 8, 1959. The young couple then moved to the Midwest, eventually settling in Brookfield WI, where they raised their family and lived for 30 years. In later years, Bob and Jill split their time between Hartland WI and Sarasota FL, making many wonderful friends in both places. 

Jill loved music, especially vocal and choral music. Professionally, Jill was Co-Director of Liturgical Music at St. Luke’s Parish (Brookfield) and Mary Queen of Heaven (West Allis) for many years. Along with her longtime collaborator, Barb Taylor, the two created “Showtime” musicals, highlighting talent from their congregations, for benefit of their parishes. Jill, Barb and their friend Sue Malett also performed professionally for many years as a musical variety act, performing at many corporate events and special occasions. In later years, she sang with the Milwaukee Bel Canto Chorus and local church choirs. 

Jill was a 9-year survivor of Stage 4 breast cancer. Her family are grateful for the expert and compassionate care Jill received at ProHealth Care, especially oncologist Dr. Christopher Hake, who supported her throughout her journey.

She will be forever remembered by her family for her lovely soprano voice, her love and dedication to family, her keen wit, Irish gift-of-gab, fondness for the beach, and great sense of personal style.

Please join the family Thursday, August 29th at St. Charles Catholic Church, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, to celebrate Jill’s life. Visitation will be 12:30-1:30pm, followed by a funeral mass at 1:30pm. A reception will follow the service, at The Legend at Bristlecone Country Club (approx. 3:30pm). 

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial gifts in Gillian's name to ProHealth Care Foundation: PHC Cancer Services and AngelsGrace Hospice.