Peggy Ann Bostick Gill

Peggy Ann Bostick Gill, 86, of Tampa, Florida passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023. Born in Kissimmee, Florida on March 4, 1937, to James Wilmer Bostick and Anne Leola Rogers Bostick, she grew up in Orlando, Florida, and was the oldest of three children—a sister Jamie Sue Bostick McKeever and her husband John Vincent McKeever (Tampa, Florida) and a brother James Rogers Bostick and his wife Christiane Benson Bostick (Orlando, Florida).

She is survived by her daughter Alicia Anne Gill Rossiter and her husband Thomas William Rossiter, Jr. (Tampa, Florida), son Henry “Hank” Aloysius Gill, III and his wife Susanne Kinsella Gill (Tampa, Florida), and son Jaymes Daniel Gill and his husband Gustavo Nunez (Stamford, Connecticut). She was also affectionally known as Nana to her six grandchildren: Kylee Gill Rossiter Smith (and son in law Mason Gregory Smith), Molly Gannon Rossiter, Hayley Anne Rossiter, Henry Aloysius Gill, IV, Cassidy Anne Gill, and Lauren Elizabeth Gill.

Peggy graduated from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from The University of Florida. She pledged Delta Gamma (Gamma Theta Chapter) her freshman year and held numerous offices during her four years at Florida. In addition, she was the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi her senior year. Upon graduating from The University of Florida she returned to Orlando and worked as an English and Speech teacher at Robert E. Lee Middle School. She met her husband, Henry Aloysius Gill, Jr, when she accepted a blind date to attend a toga party. At the time, Henry was a Navy pilot stationed at Sanford Navy Air Station. They were married for 47 years until Henry passed away in 2010.

Peggy moved to Maryland and lived there from 1967 until 1991, when her husband was stationed in the Washington, DC area. While not a veteran herself, Peggy served on the home front and was a Blue Star child (her father and aunt served in World War II), a Blue Star spouse (her husband served in Vietnam), and Blue Star Mother (her daughter Alicia served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and her son Hank served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom). She was a constant presence in her children’s life, volunteering at school events and extracurricular activities as well as in the community. When her youngest child went to middle school, she returned to the classroom, teaching English and later becoming the Director of Development at The Newport School in Silver Springs, Maryland.

In 1991, Peggy and Henry moved back to Florida, and bought a house on Davis Islands. Officially retired, she decided that it was time to commit to serving the community. She began volunteering at several elementary schools in Hillsborough County, joined the local Delta Gamma Alumni Chapter which led to her national service with the Delta Gamma Foundation, and she and Henry became active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Davis Islands Yacht Club and the University Club. She was also an active member of the Davis Islands Garden Club, the Red Cross Angels, the Chiselers, and Friends of Plant Park and served as President and/or as a board member of each organization. In addition, she loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. She moved to the Allegro of Hyde Park in 2017 where she was elected to serve on the Resident’s Board. She made new friends and was reunited with former friends while living there. Her family is forever grateful to the staff at the Allegro for the care they provided her while she was a resident there.

As an educator, community volunteer, and advocate, Peggy always sought to give back to the community. Her true passion was her work with the Delta Gamma Foundation—she was a staunch supporter of ensuring collegians had the mentorship and support needed to be successful in college and beyond. She served as the Delta Gamma Director of Scholarships, Fellowships, and Loans and was the Regional Alumnae Programs and Recruitment Specialist for Region 3. For her tireless efforts to improving her community and supporting of those in need, she received the distinguished Oxford Award in 2011, an award that recognizes an alumna who exemplifies the Delta Gamma philosophy of service to her community through volunteer and philanthropic activities. Her family can think of no better way to honor her than to request that in lieu of flowers donations be made in memory of Peggy Bostick Gill to the Delta Gamma Foundation Merit-Based Scholarship Fund c/o Delta Gamma Foundation, 3250 Riverside Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221 or https://donate.deltagamma.org/PeggyGill

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, August 5th at the University Club of Tampa from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A Mass Intention will be held on August 6, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the 10:30 AM Mass.