Deirdra Scanlon Gillette

Deirdra Gillette, 69, died March 25, 2023 in Columbus, NC of pancreatic cancer.

She was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and spent most of her adult years in the rural south. Deirdra was a nurse anesthetist until her retirement in 2018. She loved adventures and outdoor activities and spent many years camping, hiking, and climbing. She enjoyed cycling with the Tryon Estates Cycle-paths. She had a great love for dogs and had many throughout her life. Although, she never found a religion that ‘spoke to her’, she was a daily practitioner of the spiritual life and study where she found inner peace and strength. Early in her life she recognized an addiction to alcohol and through her ongoing participation in twelve-step programs, she remained alcohol free for over forty years until her death.

Deirdra was the daughter of the late Eileen (Nee Splane) and Robert Charles Scanlon. She is survived by her beloved husband, Glenwood Gillette; her precious twin sister Denise Klose; and a loving sister, The Reverend Sheila Anderson (Brian); her awesome brother-in-law, Chuck Klose; her nephews, Chip Klose, (Lesley); Justin Klose; and Kevin Klose, (Kayley). Also, stepchildren, Cliff Gillette; Katharine Walters, and Jason Chambers.

A celebration of life will be held 1 PM Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Tryon Estates Chapel, 617 Laurel Lake Dr, Columbus, NC.

A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Planned Parenthood, The Salvation Army, or Alcoholics Anonymous.

Sanders Funeral Home.

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