Elizabeth Gillen

Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Gillen was born on September 14, 1933, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Keough) O'Hotto. She graduated from Alexandria High School in 1951 and furthered her education at the College of St. Benedict.
She was united in marriage to Floyd Gillen on May 29, 1954, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this union seven children were born. She loved a good joke, baking, knitting and family gatherings with her children and grandchildren.
Liz will also be remembered as a loving mother and for her warm, non-judgmental acceptance of everyone she encountered. She loved music and singing, and was admired for her patience, cheerfulness, and courage through all the adversity she experienced during her life.
Elizabeth died on Sunday, January 15, 2017. She is survived by sons: Thomas of Centerville, Michael (Julie) of St. Stephen, Gary (Brenda) of Arlington, TX, Robert (Laurie) of Lakeville, Paul (Kimberly) of Maple Grove, John (Beverly) of Minnetonka; daughter, Susan (Brian) Traub of West Bend, IA; 18 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; sisters: Jean Poganski of Sartell, Joan Lindquist of Alexandria, Mary Peters of Glenwood.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Henry & Margaret.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net