Obituary of Margaret T. Gilleland

Melbourne, FL – Margaret (Peggy) T. Gilleland, 80, wife of Donald L. Gilleland, went to be with our Lord on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 5:32 pm, after nearly 18 months of struggle with Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. Peggy was born on November 5, 1938 in Worcester, MA, and came to Brevard County in 1993 from Rochester Hills, MI. Peggy attended Southern Illinois University, where she majored in Communications, with an emphasis on theater, which was where she and her husband, Donald, met and fell in love. Following college Peggy worked in various administrative positions in a variety of locations while her husband completed his military career. She worked for the U.S. Army as an administrative assistant and a management analysis until 1981, at which time she decided to stay home and do volunteer work in her community. Peggy was a gifted mimic, able to speak in almost any dialect. She was a reader for the Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind, where she recorded books and other literature for a Library of Congress program in which blind individuals check out and listen to literary works they would not otherwise be able to read. She was also a dedicated Christian and a volunteer at Calvary Chapel Melbourne/Viera, where she attended church and where she ran the Information Center for eight years. She regularly attended bible study classes because she was happiest when she was working for the Lord or helping other people. Jesus Christ was her primary focus in life. Peggy had a unique gift that enabled her to make other people laugh, bringing joy to everyone around her. She was an exceptional mimic, able to replicate almost any dialect, which made for interesting interpretations of her readings. Those who knew her recognized her talents immediately. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Joseph and Margaret Chaffee, and by her sister, Elizabeth Zike. Her husband, Donald, who adored her and to whom she was married for 60 years, survives her. No calling hours are scheduled. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, February 2, 2018, at Calvary Chapel Melbourne/Viera. 2852 Fellowship Place, Viera, FL 32940, which is located across the street from the Viera High School and next to the Space Coast Stadium. Peggy will be cremated, after which her ashes will reside in a columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery, along with those of her husband once he passes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Calvary Chapel Melbourne/Viera in Peggy’s name to be used in spreading the gospel in missions around the world.