Gillian Seidl, 78

SHEFFIELD — Gillian Seidl, 78, of Bull Hill Road, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017.  

Born in Kelso, Scotland, on March 15, 1939, she was the daughter of the late James and Margaret Pennington Crawford. Gillian graduated from Edinburgh College of Speech and Drama and received a B.A. in art from Skidmore College later in life.

Gillian had a great zest for life, a luminous smile, and a spirited sense of adventure. At age eighteen, she travelled alone to America and took a job as an airline hostess with TWA based in New York. It was there she met her husband, Jirka. They moved to the Berkshires in 1976 to raise their three children and enjoy the pleasures of country life. 

Co-founder and co-artistic director of Mixed Company theatre with long-time friend Joan Ackermann, Gillian was also an active member of the Housatonic Art League. She was a vibrant creative force; whether acting, painting, or just admiring a lovely view, she always gave her all. Her warmth and positive spirit touched and inspired so many. Gillian was a good listener, quick to laugh, empathetic and wise. With an eye for beauty and a gifted loving heart, she was one of those rare souls who truly lived a fulfilled and contented life.  

She is survived by beloved husband, Jirka; son James and his wife Merri; daughter Michelle and her husband Charles Derr; daughter Anna and husband Percy Hoffmann; and grandchildren Jessica, Travis, Bailey and Claire.

Funeral notice: Funeral Services for Gillian will be held Sunday, April 30, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Christ Trinity Church in Sheffield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gillian’s memory to CHP Family Services or Christ Trinity Church in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 462 Main Street, Great Barrington, Mass., 01230.