Jean W. Gilligan passed away November 13, 2013 at her home in Alexandria, VA at the age of 86 years. She was born July 31, 1927 in Estelline, SD to Tom and Helen (Clifton) Gilligan and graduated from Estelline High School in 1945. She moved to Minneapolis and worked for Northwestern Bell and later moved to Chicago and worked for Western Union. Jean moved to Washington DC in 1949 and worked as a secretary for her uncle Gardner Withrow (R. Wisconsin). From 1967 to 1974 Jean was the administrative assistant to Rep. Vernon Thompson (R. Wisconsin). She served on the House Committee on Postal Service and Civil Service from 1975 to 1994. Jean was an active member of the Congressional Staff Club and is credited for being the driving force in turning the Club into a vital entity for congressional staffers on the "Hill". She served as president of the Congressional Staff Club in 1966 and 1993 and was awarded a life membership by the club for her untiring work. Jean Gilligan was honored by "Roll Call" as Secretary of the Year in 1972 and was also honored for her 45 years on the Hill as a congressional staffer by having a tribute read into the Congressional Journal in 1995. She always looked forward to coming back for the Alumni Banquet, visiting with classmates, friends and family, she seldom missed returning. Jean and her classmates had a "round robin" letter they were faithful in sending and she had just mailed it a few days before her death. Jean is survived by her brother Pat (Joan) Gilligan of Estelline; her long time special friend Maura (Pat) Kelly of Alexandria, VA; and several nieces and nephews and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Warren and Harvey; sister-in-law Joyce (Warren) Gilligan; and a great nephew Sean Gilligan. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline. Burial will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Estelline. Jean was a unique individual, direct at times but her sincerity and soft heart always won out, she will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Pallbearers will be Jean's family. The family wishes that memorial donations be made to the Estelline Alumni Association. Note: New Visitation Time