Gill eased us into life in Maracaibo, introducing her friends who in turn became our friends, and kindly helped us settle into Edificio Anita as she and Tony transferred from Maracaibo to Caracas.  Her Christmas cards and beautifully written letters full of news followed us over the years as she and Tony travelled from country to country, as did we, until we were finally reunited in England.  Gill’s memory for people and dates was incredible, and we always had great fun catching up.  She had such a cheerful disposition and lovely sense of humour and even after joining us on our sailing boat on the grey and slightly turbulent seas off Walton on the Naze, and feeling sea sick, still managed to smile.  A more successful sailing trip took place around Dartmouth, along with a voyage and overnight stop in tiny Paignton harbour, though the facilites there for mariners left a little to be desired – Gill took it all in  her stride and still smiled! Fond memories! Chris and Peter Caswell   …

My fondest memories of your mom was watching her walking with her 3 little daughters on Loiza Street in San Juan. Puerto Rico. The children’s book of the Mama duck and her little ducklings crossing the river always came to mind.  She loved being a mom and she was so good at it.  I can still smell the bread she made twice weekly when I got off the elevator in our Park Boulevard building.  She was a loving friend.  I will miss her.💖My sincere sympathy to you and your dad.  You are in my prayers. …

I first recall meeting Gill at our home in St. Legier in, I think, 2007.  The entire Allen gang – and there always seems to lots of that merry group – had just gone to rent skis and were returning to their home in the shabbier section of St. Legier.  Gill and Tony were with them – and though I suspect that they were not renting skis for themselves, having had a soupçon of Tony’s naughty streak, to this day I’m not sure that he didn’t wrangle a set for himself.  I recall Heather saying something to the effect that her Mum was starting to not be herself and worries were on the horizon.  But, true to Allen form, Gill burst into our home like a trained professional cocktail-chatter.  She smiled and chatted with literally everyone there – though she had really never met any of us before.  I remember chatting with Gill myself and I will never forget how her eyes were so incredibly focused on me and the (probably inane) things I was saying.  She listened.  She was engaged.  Her eyes never darted over my shoulder in the hope that someone more interesting would come along.  She …

Deepest condolences to Allen family on the loss of Gil.  Gil was a cheery, gracious, wonderful friend and tennis competitor who made our years in Puerto Rico more enjoyable as we shared family times and weekly tennis matches. Even though we lived on different continents, I have always valued her friendship.  I will miss her. …

Tony and Ingrid and Camilla and Heather – you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Its a difficult and sad time but also a time to remember all of the good times I had with Gil and the memories when Ralph and I traveled with you both in Europe and in the U.S. We also had such a wonderful time with your entire family skiing in Colorado.    Gillian was a lovely and special woman. In so many of our conversations it became very apparent how much she loved you all and her deep love for Tony who I fondly remember she always referred to you, Tony,  as “Luv”.   She was a true friend. Gil, you are at peace now – rest.  I will always treasure my memories of you.   …

Gill, we have nothing but great memories of your company when we all lived in Portugal. Now your time has come to be the great hostess in that other place. We’ll meet there one day and you can make us all feel welcome and happy. In the meantime, settle into your new home and rest in peace.   Paul and Julie …