Gillian “Jill” Laverne Hamann (McDonald) passed away peacefully at her home on October 23, 2026, at the age of 82.
Jill was born on January 6, 1944, in Uttoxeter, England to Vera (Taylor) and Curtis
McDonald, an American Serviceman. At the age of 2, Jill and her family immigrated to the United States aboard the Queen Mary. Her family settled in Park Forest, IL, where she grew up and began building the family and friendships that remained important throughout her life. Jill’s family also had roots in Kenosha, a place that held special meaning in her family’s history dating back to her great grandparents who settled here from Denmark.
In October 1964, Jill married John Hamann, and together they raised three children, Laura, Jennifer, and Steven. Jill was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For the last five years Jill, her grandson Kevin and his wife Michelle together created a loving home where Jill was able to share in family life and watch her great-grandchildren, Lorelai and Elias grow up. Jill was affectionately known as “GG” to them.
Jill worked many years at the Village of Harwood Heights, IL. After moving to Kenosha, she worked at Aurora Hospital until she retired. Her favorite job she had while raising her children was professionally lighting and decorating Christmas trees for banks and businesses.
She enjoyed trivia, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and collecting teapots. She also loved current events and politics. When she joined the Kenosha Senior Center, she attended the weekly American Issues class. She cherished family traditions including trips up north to the family cottage and down to Florida. She also enjoyed telling stories of her English roots and heritage.
Jill had a special gift for making people feel welcome and loved. Friends, neighbors, and people she encountered in everyday life came to know her as Grandma Jill. She always made a point to tell those she loved that she was proud of them, and how much they meant to her. She would always use her familiar farewell of “Cheerio” when saying goodbye.
Jill was preceded in death by John Hamann; her parents Vera and Curtis McDonald; her stepfather George Barber: her brother Christopher; and her dear friends and chosen family Doris and Fred Yost.
Jill is survived by her children, Laura Dixon, and her husband Dwight; Jennifer Hamann; and Steven Hamann and his wife, Debbie. Her grandchildren Kevin and his wife Michelle; Brittany and her husband Bill; Nick and his partner Andres; Angela and her husband Matt; Alicia, and Emily. Her great-grandchildren, Lorelai, Elias, Bernie, and John. Jill is further survived by her sister Marralyn Urycki; her brother James McDonald and his wife Terry; her sister Kathy Ball and her husband Joe. She also leaves behind extended family members and dear friends who will miss her.
A private memorial will be held in January to celebrate Jill’s life.