Gillian Helen Bonazoli died on Sunday, June 30th, at home, surrounded by her family.
Gillian was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, the second child of Muriel and the late James Rust. She attended Albyn School and then earned a dual Master's degree in Fine Art & Drawing and Painting from the University of Edinburgh.
In 1978, while still in high school, Gillian traveled to Massachusetts with a student exchange program, and met the love of her life, Stephen. The story of how they met has always delighted friends, and her children. Gillian and Stephen were married in 1984, and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, where they spent the next 40 years building a family and community.
Gillian worked at the Worcester Art Museum for many years, principally as the Director of the Art All State program, creating opportunities for aspiring high school artists to work with professional artists. In a brief hiatus from her position as the Art All State Director, Gillian started her own personal chef business, preparing meals for clients and catering events. Gillian spent the last decade working as a real estate agent, cultivating a thriving business as she served clients around Massachusetts.
In all her work, Gill found ways to indulge her passions and use her incredible talents. Gill was passionate about art and design; she could spend hours wandering around a museum or searching through an antique shop. She filled her home with things she loved, creating a welcoming and beautiful space in a style all her own. All Gill’s family and friends can attest that she was an exceptional cook. She put together dinners and delicious meals in a way that seemed effortless and loved to feed others and share recipes. Even during the pandemic lock downs, Gill found a way to share food with others, posting a daily recipe online for others to enjoy. Friday pizza night at Gill and Steve’s was a years-long tradition, with the door open for friends and neighbors who wanted to stop in for a homemade slice.
Gill loved to travel. She and Steve enjoyed many happy trips and adventures together. With their children, they loved summer holidays in Maine, relaxing and playing by the beach. Gill kept a strong connection to her home in Scotland, visiting as often as possible. In the last several years, Gill delighted in visiting Braemar, in the Scottish Highlands, working with Stephen to fix up a little house there. There, she could spend happy times with family and soak up the beauty of the hills and the heather.
Gill cared, above all else, for her family. She was the true center of their world. Gill was a caring and supportive friend to many, from Massachusetts, across the U.S, and to Scotland. She maintained close and meaningful relationships with all those she loved. A woman of true style and determination, Gill never did anything by half. She always went the extra mile for an event, home renovation project, or celebration, and could be the most competitive in any family contest. Gill brought so much joy to everyone in all she did.
Gillian leaves her loving husband, Stephen; her children, Alexandra, Victoria, Calum, and Sophia, sons in law; Armand and Mitchell; and grandson William. Also, her mother, Muriel; sister, Susie and her husband, Graeme; brother, Malcolm and his wife Gillian; sister-in-law Janet, and beloved nieces and nephews. Her father, James, and elder brother, James, predeceased her.
Funeral services are being arranged by the family, and will be held on Saturday, July 13th beginning at 10:00am at the First Unitarian Church of Worcester, 90 Main Street, Worcester, MA. All are welcome.