Jill passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 21, 2023 at age 79. Jill is predeceased in death by her mother Bunny Askew, father Jack Harding, and sister Jackie Van Grofski.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Jill moved to the Wilmington area as a child and graduated from Kennett High School, Class of 1961. She then continued her education at the University of Delaware.
Jill’s love of travel led to her career as a travel agent. She worked in the Bank of Delaware travel department and then at Ambassador Travel, where she achieved the Certified Travel Consultant designation, the highest in the field. Her colleagues and many customers became lifelong friends.
Jill was an active member of the Wilmington Country Club. She enjoyed spending time with her friends playing golf (2 career holes in one), pickleball, mahjong, squash, and book club. She was very involved in her grandchildrens’ lives. They loved spending time with her at the pool and special days resulted in getting Mimi to dive off the diving board.
Jill’s unforgettable smile, unwavering positive energy, and love of life are what her family and friends will remember the most.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill, her two sons, Nate (Kelly) and Cameron (Elaine), her five ‘grandangels’ Ainsley, Chase, Cooper, Lexi, and Reese, sister in law Kitty Clevenger, brother in law Tom Van Grofski, niece Suzanne Humphreys (Eph), nephews David Blake (Julie) and Ted Blake (Elliot). Her family meant the world to her; and she to them.
A celebration of her life, where Jill requested hugs and smiles only, will be held at Wilmington Country Club on March 12th from 1 – 4pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center.
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