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Where does one start when describing Carmen Gillespie? Simply put, Carmen Gillespie was an incredible human being.
Carmen accepted a position at Bucknell University thirteen years ago and relocated to Lewisburg with her husband, Harry and daughter, Chelsea. A bit later, Carmen and Harry welcomed their daughter, Delaney. Sadly, Harry passed February 2013 after a courageous struggle with kidney cancer. In the months and years that followed, Carmen was an incredible mother to her daughters, Chelsea and Delaney, while mourning and honoring Harry. A most difficult situation, indeed.
For the past thirteen years, Carmen was a Professor at Bucknell University, where she was also the Director of the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives at Bucknell. Carmen's Scholarship focused on Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and various aspects of American and Caribbean literature and culture. She published three award winning books of poetry and received several prestigious awards for her writing. Having just started sabbatical, Carmen planned to do just that, and the world would have been better for it.
Carmen developed an amazing circle of friends. For, even to have met her once, you felt an immediate connection. She was known for hosting dinners and parties in her gorgeous home, surrounded by her beautiful gardens. Topics of discussion were vast, the food was delicious, the red wine was plentiful, the laughter was loud, the music was fantastic and the hugs were warm. Oh, those hugs.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, this nurturing presence left our lives. Carmen died on August 30, 2019 at her home. The Bucknell and Lewisburg communities are reeling from this and continue to wonder why this was to be. Certainly, there are others throughout the country and the world that are also trying to make sense of it all, because that is how far Carmen's reach and influence was felt.
Carmen was one of the kindest, warmest, intelligent, insightful, witty, funny....we could go on...people you would ever meet. Any assistance you are able to provide her immediate family at this incredibly difficult time is greatly appreciated.
Donors wishing to Venmo Chelsea directly may do so: @Chelsea-Gillespie
Love to you and thanks,
Shira Vergauwen, Abbey Scheckter, Linda Smolka and Susannah Kisvarday
Carmen accepted a position at Bucknell University thirteen years ago and relocated to Lewisburg with her husband, Harry and daughter, Chelsea. A bit later, Carmen and Harry welcomed their daughter, Delaney. Sadly, Harry passed February 2013 after a courageous struggle with kidney cancer. In the months and years that followed, Carmen was an incredible mother to her daughters, Chelsea and Delaney, while mourning and honoring Harry. A most difficult situation, indeed.
For the past thirteen years, Carmen was a Professor at Bucknell University, where she was also the Director of the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives at Bucknell. Carmen's Scholarship focused on Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and various aspects of American and Caribbean literature and culture. She published three award winning books of poetry and received several prestigious awards for her writing. Having just started sabbatical, Carmen planned to do just that, and the world would have been better for it.
Carmen developed an amazing circle of friends. For, even to have met her once, you felt an immediate connection. She was known for hosting dinners and parties in her gorgeous home, surrounded by her beautiful gardens. Topics of discussion were vast, the food was delicious, the red wine was plentiful, the laughter was loud, the music was fantastic and the hugs were warm. Oh, those hugs.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, this nurturing presence left our lives. Carmen died on August 30, 2019 at her home. The Bucknell and Lewisburg communities are reeling from this and continue to wonder why this was to be. Certainly, there are others throughout the country and the world that are also trying to make sense of it all, because that is how far Carmen's reach and influence was felt.
Carmen was one of the kindest, warmest, intelligent, insightful, witty, funny....we could go on...people you would ever meet. Any assistance you are able to provide her immediate family at this incredibly difficult time is greatly appreciated.
Donors wishing to Venmo Chelsea directly may do so: @Chelsea-Gillespie
Love to you and thanks,
Shira Vergauwen, Abbey Scheckter, Linda Smolka and Susannah Kisvarday
Organizer and beneficiary
Chelsea Gillespie
Beneficiary