Gillian Elise Lundgren, 15, cherished and beloved daughter of Carolyn and Clyde, proud big sister of Garrett and Gibson, loving granddaughter of Sandra and Andrew Bowler and Bonnie and the late Clyde E. Lundgren, treasured niece of Elisabeth and Will Hobbs, Kristin and Jeffrey Rector, Britt and Christopher Bryant and Lisa and Kurt Lundgren, “GilBean” and favorite game-playing cousin of Lydia, Trystan, Alexander, Porter, Drew and Elsie, friend to so very many, and one who always found beauty in purpose, took her life early Saturday morning, July 22nd, 2017. Gillian will be remembered for the ineffable mystery and extraordinary beauty of her heart.
From birth on January 10, 2002, in Oak Park, Illinois, Gillian had a passion for competition. Her teachers described her as bright in the classroom and “dominating” on the playground. She was naturally gifted as an athlete yet worked hard to improve every skill to be the best player she could be for her friends and teammates. Gillian brought her “fierce self” to every competition, big or small. Whether she was setting cross country school records at Julian Middle School, scoring goals for The Chicago Edge SC, representing the OPRF Huskies in cross country, basketball and soccer, swimming with her brothers and for her Dad at the River Forest Tennis Club, creating art for a show, trying for a cooking award, playing family board games or Infection, Gillian simply loved to play and to compete.
Gillian was perceptive, truly honest and knew who she was. She felt deeply and had a raw faith in her Creator. She knew God’s acceptance and experienced Him through worship. Gillian was keenly aware that she was loved unconditionally by God and her family. She was honest about herself and her struggles and sought order and purpose. The outdoors offered Gillian a special peace. She found order and purpose in the beauty and felt a special attachment and comfort at Vero Beach, Fripp Island, and most importantly, her beloved HoneyRock Camp in Wisconsin where she drew comfort and felt safe to be fully herself.
Gillian was a natural leader, adored Sunday school volunteer, worshipped big sister, and a hero to so many. She longed to be unique and stand out from a crowd, yet she didn’t recognize that so many aspired to meet the standard she set. Gillian had the best smile and could light up a room with her energy and presence. She lived fiercely and courageously approached all things. Gillian was friendly, engaging and winsome with all.
Gillian is now whole and in the presence of her Heavenly Father. We hold her close within our hearts.
The family will be greeting family and friends during a Visitation on Thursday, July 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Memorial Church, 931 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60301. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Memorial Church on Friday, July 28th at 11:00 a.m. to remember Gillian’s beautiful life.
In lieu of flowers the Lundgren family requests memorial donations be made to establish a scholarship. This scholarship will enable other girls to experience God’s loving mercy and be fully themselves by attending HoneyRock Camp. Go to calvarymemorial.com/give, select “Give Now” and choose “Gillian Lundgren Scholarship” from the drop down menu. This will be Gillian’s gift and one of many legacies of her eternal life.
