Jill Estvold went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 13, 2018 in Bellingham at the age of 67. She was the eldest daughter of four to parents Bruce and Anne Gillett. After graduating Mount Vernon High in 1970, she met her husband at Western Washington State College (WWU), Dan Estvold, and married in 1973. Once her two daughters were in school, she began working as a speech therapy paraeducator in Stanwood. In 2002, Dan and Jill relocated from Mount Vernon to Sequim, but separated a few years later. Jill retired from the Bellingham School District in 2017 due to progressing cancer, after over twenty years in education. She truly enjoyed working with students of all ages. Despite her medical condition, she continued to press on faith-filled with hope resting in God. By God's grace, Jill and Dan joyfully reunited in marriage August 18th of this year and delighted in their many months together.
Growing up in a musically rich home, Jill was an accomplished flutist: principal in the North Cascades Concert Band and co-founder/member of the Whatcom Flute Ensemble. She performed in various groups and celebrations of all kinds over the years. In addition to music, photography remained a lifelong passion of hers that led to thousands of pictures of those she loved, treasured vacations to the ocean, all forms of God's creation, and moments where she simply cherished life.
Her loving, spontaneous, energetic nature made it easy for her to establish relationships that stood the test of time. Despite the obstacles she faced, her vibrant joyful Christian faith grounded her.
Jill was preceded in death by her daughter Alicia Estvold, parents Bruce and Anne Gillett, sister Jan Ingram, and is survived by her husband Dan, daughter Christina (Brandon) Milliken, and grandson Declan; brother Bruce (Sylvia) Gillett; sister Michelle (Doug) Scraper; and many nieces and nephews.
Donation may be made in memory of Jill to : North Cascades Concert Band, PO Box 5141, Bellingham, WA 98225; Whatcom Flute Ensemble c/o Jennifer Boteler First Presbyterian Church, 1031 N Garden St., Bellingham, WA 98225; or Grace by the Sea Anglican Church 540 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
A special thank you for the loving and compassionate care she received from the extraordinary staff at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham.
A Celebration of Life Service for Jill will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 2:00 PM at Grace by the Sea Anglican Church in Oak Harbor where all are welcome to attend.