Debra Ann Cavender Gilson

Debra Ann Cavender Gilson of Richboro, PA passed away on Thursday January 18, 2024 after a year and half fight with colon cancer.

Born in New Castle, DE Sept. 15th, 1960, Debi attended William Penn High School and the University of Delaware.

She married Joseph Gilson, April 12th, 1986. They were blessed with 2 children, Brett of Boonville, IN and Meredith of Richboro, PA. She is also survived by her mother Dolores, sister Diane, niece Lindsay, nephews Joseph, Cameron, Aidan and Liam. Additionally, brother-in-law Phil and his wife Lorraine, brother-in-law Mike and her beloved fur baby grandchildren Grizzli and Huckleberry.

After graduating from the University of Delaware, she worked in marketing with mall developers Westfield and Kravco-Simon and most recently as a Regional Marketing Director for PREIT.

Debi enjoyed cooking, summer entertaining, shopping and the beaches of Delaware, Florida, Corolla, and the Caribbean. Skiing and sledding along with back yard winter snow activities were also some of her favorites. No party was complete unless there were unique fun and games, decorations galore and elegance. Any activity that her family participated; Debi was right there by their side. Whether it was jumping in the waves, ATVing, sledding, skiing, ice trekking, dog sledding, cliff jumping in Lake Tahoe, hiking, attending concerts, and dancing; she was always happy to be in the middle of the action.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 am. on Friday January 26 at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine, 10 Old Church Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, followed by interment at the St. Joseph’s lower church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday January 25 from 6-8 pm. at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to Alliance Cancer Center at St. Mary’s Langhorne, PA or the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania. To send a message of condolence to the family visit www.mccreryandharra.com.