Rita Joy Gillen (nee DiIulio), age 80, of Upper Gwynedd, formerly of West Chester and Broomall, PA, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2026, with her daughters, Christine and Danielle, by her side.

Born on May 20, 1946, in Philadelphia, Rita was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Mary) DiIulio (nee Marini). Rita attended Archbishop Prendergast High School and later graduated with honors from West Chester University with a degree in Political Science.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Gregory Gillen. She is survived by her loving daughters, Christine Davis (Gregory) and Danielle Wood (Robie), and her cherished grandchildren: Julia Davis, Andrew Davis, Ava Wood, Gabriel Wood, and Adrian Wood.

Family, faith, and friends brought constant joy to Rita’s life, with family at the heart of everything she did. She expressed immense pride in her five grandchildren, deeply valuing their unique individuality and offering them unconditional love and support. Her faith was foundational. Rita shared this devotion as a religious education teacher at her former parish, Sts. Philip and James, and through active participation in adult faith groups at both Sts. Philip and James and her current parish, Corpus Christi Church.

Beyond her faith and family, Rita was an avid reader of history and politics, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan, and a water enthusiast who loved swimming and water aerobics. She cherished beach trips with family and close friends, traveling with her husband Don, playing cards and games with neighbors at The Reserve at Gwynedd, and sharing her deep knowledge and life experiences with her children and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Church. A luncheon will follow at the Blue Bell Inn, Ambler, PA. Burial will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.

Donations can be made in memory of Rita Joy Gillen to the following organizations:

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation - https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/

Corpus Christi Church - https://corpuschristilansdale.org/parish-giving/