Kathleen O. Gilson, age 91, of Perry passed away Friday, April 18, 2014 at her home in Perry. She was born August 13, 1922 in Manchester England to Mabel (Whitehead) and Alfred Oliver. She married Edward “Ted” W. Gilson on September 27, 1941.

Kathleen emigrated to the U.S. in 1923 and was raised in South Euclid. She graduated from Brush High School and attended the clerical Spencerian College. Kathleen then enlisted in the Women’s Army Air Corp during WWII. After the war, she worked as a legal secretary and later became the Clerk Treasurer for the Perry Local Board of Education. She was an owner of Gilson Gardens in Perry and very active in the family business. She loved her cats, shopping, traveling, cooking, and sailing on the “Nepenthe.” For over 50 years, Kathleen was a proud member of the Perry United Methodist Church.

Kathleen is survived by daughter, Kathleen Joy Gilson of Perry; sons, David and Brian Gilson of Painesville, and Mark (Kristine) Gilson of Perry; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her sister-in-law Margaret C. Logan of Perrysburg, OH. She was preceded in death by husband, Edward “Ted” W. Gilson; parents; brother Hubert Oliver; and granddaughter Stephanie M. Gilson.

Friends will be received from 6-8pm Tuesday, April 22, 2014, and 10-11am Wednesday, April 23, 2014. A funeral service will follow at 11am. The Rev. Jim Jenson from Perry United Methodist Church will officiate at the service. All visitation and services will be at THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 26 River Street, Madison, OH 44057. Final Resting Place will be at Perry Cemetery in Perry.

Family suggests that contributions may be made to Perry United Methodist Church, 3875 Main Street, Perry, OH 44081.