Glenna Gilleland

Glenna Mae (nee Bertram) Gilleland, age 94, of Long Lake, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at her home. Glenna was born October 4, 1928 in Cincinnati, OH, the daughter of the late Harry F. and Bessie M. Bertram. She majored in physical education at the University of Cincinnati at a time when women’s athletics were less acknowledged. Years later, Glenna was finally presented with her varsity letter. While working as a camp counselor in Minocqua, WI, Glenna met the love of her life, Owen, who was taking a surveying course nearby. They married on June 16, 1951 and began their life in Chicago, raising their four children in Skokie and Barrington, and eventually retiring to their ‘forever’ home on Long Lake. She often said she was so lucky because not only had Owen built her a brand new house, he did it three times! Glenna worked as a special education aide at Kirk School in Palatine for many years. From the 1960’s in Skokie, to Barrington, and even after she moved to Long Lake, she always volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Glenna was also a member of the Community Church of Barrington. She had a heart for people in need and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Glenna was something of a legend. She could be counted on to attend every sporting event, graduation, birthday party, or other family event with pride, enthusiasm, and encouragement. She was a wonderful hostess to friends and family (with her chocolate chip cookies always a perennial favorite) and everyone she met was a friend. She is survived by her children Owen Gilleland III, Dale (MaryJo) Gilleland, Beth (Frank) Swindle, and Scott (Barbara) Gilleland; grandchildren Sarah (Robert) McCrumb, Owen (Amber) Gilleland IV, Brian (Laura) Gilleland, Stacy (Daniel) Vincenzo, Daniel Swindle, Patrick (Fatemeh) Swindle, Kelsey, (Luke) Hazzard, Robert Gilleland, Jack (Alyssa) Gilleland, and Abby Gilleland; great-grandchildren Chloe, Jace, Melody, Aidan, Evan, Kieran, JJ, Charlie, and Evelyn. She was preceded in death by her husband Owen Gilleland Jr and by her sister Betty Carter. Visitation will be 11 – 1 on Thursday, May 18 2023 at Ringa Funeral Home in Lake Villa. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. The service will be live-streamed at https://evt.live/glenna-gilleland. Cremation will take place privately after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Glenna’s memory to Meals on Wheel of Northeastern Illinois: https://mealsonwheelsnei.org/donate

Glenna Gilleland

October 4, 1928 - May 13, 2023

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services