Hilary Solomon
I first met Gill in 1983 on Habonim Israel Camp. I have attached photo of us during our time there. I am sitting two away from Gill’s right in a rather 1980s-style hat. Although I knew literally no one on that trip, Gill was so friendly and welcoming that she and Rosina (also on the photo in front, in red – I am sure you know her) soon became friends. She was always so smiley and happy and we got on very well. After Israel tour, partly because Gill lived in Manchester and I lived in London, we lost touch a bit (no Facebook then!) We re-met when she moved to London and met up a few times then. Later, after we had both married and had children I met her again through mutual friends, Adam and Julie, who were our neighbours in East Finchley. Tragedy then brought us both together again, as both our husbands became sick with lung cancer and died.
Gill and I met up with Fiona Starr (whose husband had also died) and formed a little group together. We really supported each other and inevitably discussed our different but similar situations. But of course, we also discussed lots of other things too. Gill was so supportive to me, as Andy had died a year before my husband. She was so generous with her help and support and I was very grateful.
Eventually we invited Paul Harris to our group too, who had also just lost his wife. It sounds like a depressing group, but it really wasn’t! Of course there was some grief discussions but we also laughed and shared and enjoyed each other’s company. We had arranged to go out again, the 4 of us this week and we decided still to do so, despite feeling Gill’s absence keenly. We talked of her and drank to her and missed her infectious laugh and wise thoughts on so many things.
Gill, of course, spoke of her gorgeous children and, whilst I never met them, I can understand, from what she said, why she was so proud of them both and their achievements and loving dispositions. Also, whilst it was a relatively new relationship, Gill spoke with much affection about Andrew and I feel pleased that she had some new happiness following such a difficult and tragic time for her.
Gill was a really wonderful woman – a friend to so many and so generous with her time and support. She amazed me with how many friends she had, which of course, is a testament to what a wonderful person she was. We are all stunned by her passing and I know that we will all feel this for many years. However, as I know only too well with my own children, the absence of a parent – let alone two – is a devastating and all pervading thing. It is difficult to know what to write so I just want to say to Zak and Mia what you already know, that your mum was a truly wonderful woman who loved you so much. I hope that knowledge can help you through the next very difficult weeks, months and years.