It was sixteen years ago when I met Sister Gilchrist for the first time. I was asked to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to her seriously ill mother. Since then, I have come to know her well as a friend. Sister Gilchrist had shown throughout her adult life a deep love and concern for young people with special needs. She demonstrated great expertise in enabling young people to reach their potential through using the gifts that God had given them. Without a doubt, she was a giant in the field of special education. Her strong faith in Jesus Christ motivated her to be someone who pursued a goal in the face of whatever obstacles confronted her. May she now experience the Heavenly reward of having lived a fruitful and meaningful life.

Father Bernard P. Evanofski

When I first met Sister Gilchrist in Sarasota, FL some 20 years ago, I was taken with her passion, concern for those around her, and her intelligence. As the years went on and we had the opportunity to work with each other at Ave Maria Prep, the Thrive Program, and on other projects, it was abundantly clear that she was a gift to all of us around her. She could see things that others couldn’t and she had a way of communicating that was both educational and empowering. To say that we have learned from her would be an understatement. We will miss her but her teachings will continue to go onward. We were blessed to be blessed by her.

Dr. George Carlo

Sister Gilchrist Cottrill was the best teacher along with the bravest, most humble, and kind lady I had the blessing to meet, get to know, and eventually get to call and love her as my godmother. She and her religious order did a lot of great things for me and I will always be grateful to her and them. Along with great pride that she was the inspiration for me to become a Catholic and always follow my goals. I miss her every day, but no matter where I go or what I do she’s still there supporting me and praying for me.

James Loggins