Gwendolyn "Gwen" Marie Kjellander

August 24, 1935 - November 1, 2020

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Marie Kjellander, 85, of Leesburg, Florida, and formerly of Abingdon, died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Leesburg, following a brief illness. She was born Aug. 24, 1935, in Abingdon, the daughter of Hugh W. and Lillian L. (Singleton) Allison. Immediately after graduating from Abingdon High School as class valedictorian, she married Francis (Franny) L. Kjellander on June 27, 1953, at the Abingdon Christian Church, where she is still a member. Gwen is survived by her loving and caring husband of 67 years; her children Jeffrey (Nancy) Kjellander of DeKalb, Jennifer "Ginger" (Christopher) Parks of Poughkeepsie, New York, and Joseph of Elgin; four grandchildren, Jenny Kjellander, Lindsay (Nikki) Morales, Allison Kjellander-Cantu and Kate Kjellander; five great-grandchildren, Haze, Knox and Kruz Morales, Leah Kjellander-Cantu and Gwenyth Browne; and her siblings Hugh "Butch" Allison Jr. of Oquawka and Judy (Dennis) Poland of Abingdon. She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Jason "Jay" Kjellander. She worked as a bookkeeper in the Galesburg area for 51 years and owned the Abingdon Flower Shop before retiring in 1997. After retirement, she lived in McAllen, Texas, before moving to Leesburg, Florida. Gwen loved her immediate family as well as the extended family, with "Aunt Gwennie" often hosting large family gatherings. She enjoyed travel and shared that experience with her children, and felt strongly that each of her children earn a college degree. Gwen had many friends throughout the years and enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, dancing and listening to her music. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private family services will be held Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. Rev. Will Brown will officiate. Burial will be in the Abingdon Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.