A legacy of kindness
GILLIAN FALCONER Over the years, Gillian’s wise investing proved fruitful. She was always generous to her friends and the many charities close to her heart, offering both her time as a volunteer and her ongoing support. She served as an Honorary Vice President of the St Andrew’s Trust and helped manage the local National Trust shop, alongside many other volunteering commitments.
Gillian Falconer was a fiercely independent woman, known throughout her life for her generous spirit, flamboyant wardrobe and sense Gillian loved the College’s project to digitise the work and correspondence of fun. of Mary Somerville, and was hugely supportive of the Library’s efforts. After reading History at Somerville, One of the very last gifts she made Gillian settled in St Andrews, where she pursued a lifelong passion for was to arrange for wheelchairs to the arts. Initially a photographer, it be sent to Burkino Faso to provide was with her screen-prints of wild mobility for disabled children. flowers, trees, birds and animals that she made her name. Her work was In 2016 Gillian passed away, subsequently sold by both Liberty and remembered by those closest to The National Trust. her as a beloved sister, aunt, greatGillian was also keenly aware of the value of money and took an active interest in her investments. She recalled how, as a young girl, she suggested the family solicitor should invest some of the family’s money in Marks & Spencer. The solicitor countered that he could not possibly recommend such an investment, as he wasn’t aware of the company. She later received an apology, as the solicitor had stopped by a Marks & Spencer on the way home from work and now happily held shares in the company.
aunt and friend. She honoured her lifelong connection to Somerville by including the College as a beneficiary of a residuary legacy, trusting us to direct her generous gift to the area of greatest need. She couldn’t have known how much the world would transform in such a short space of time, nor how grateful the College would be for her support as we navigate these uncertain financial conditions. We look forward to mounting a plaque in the Library as a lasting tribute to Gillian, her love of giving, and her legacy – a final act of kindness that will benefit many. If you would like more information about including the College in your estate planning, please contact Brett de Gaynesford – brett.degaynesford@some.ox.ac.uk
Gillian’s matriculation in 1944
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eloved as the manager of her local National Trust shop, Gillian Falconer (History, 1944) was also a woman possessing hidden depths of artistic brilliance, financial acumen and unfailing kindness.
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