Kevin Marshall's America
A good friend of mine who kept my sanity at my day job and talked me down more times than I can count, Jill Garfoli-Alderman, passed away on Sunday.
I worked in the same building as Jill , who for thirty years presided over the postal substation in the Rensselaer Student Union. We struck up a quick friendship through revealing and lengthy conversations over the course of four years.
Jill was one of the most charismatic women I’ve ever met, universally adored by co-workers and customers and never at a loss for words. More than entertaining, she was a trusted confidant who knew more about me than anyone sans members of my immediate family and a small handful of personal friends. During our shared time at Rensselaer, she impacted my life in a very real way, and her absence in the Union while she battled various complications to her health left a tremendous void that won’t be filled.
Her passing came as quite a surprise. We had known that she was back in the hospital, but that had become the norm and Jill was both a fighter and survivor. You often see those terms tossed around like penny candy when someone passes, but for her the terms are more than anecdotal. She survived Hodgkins disease, an abusive first marriage, and the aforementioned health scares of the last two years. Although her more recent health problems had forced her into retirement, there was never any thought that we might receive an early morning notification of her passing. In hindsight and out of context, the compounding health issues should have made us more conscious of the potential mortal danger. The problem, though, was Jill. She was just too damn charismatic and too damn tough for us to think that death was even possible.
Her viewing is tonight and her funeral is tomorrow morning. For those in the Rensselaer Community who would like to pay their respects, you can find more information over at her page on Legacy.com.
In lieu of flowers (and even if you didn’t know Jill), you can make a donation in her memory to the American Cancer Society.
Below is a four minute documentary from former Rensselaer student Katherine D’Anna, where Jill is profiled and not surprisingly to those that knew her, incredibly candid in discussing her life and work at Rensselaer.
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10 Responses to Passing of a Post Mistress: Jill Garfoli-Alderman, 1958-2011
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Jill was such a lovely woman. I only ever encountered her a few times in the union, but because she worked with my ex for a while she knew my name and always made it a point to say hi. I didn’t realize the extend of her health problems. I send my condolences to her friends and relatives.
My condolences. She sounds like a wonderful person.
Thanks Kevin – as all the testaments read – she would always give you a smile and treat you as a good friend – whether you saw her on campus or out in the local PC – She just gave of her personality – the world’s (and RPI’s) loss
Jill was my cousin…we were extremely close as kids, grew up more like sisters. I spent many summer vacations staying at her house and having what I recall as the best times of my life…She was always there so support me, and tell me that I was amazing. I often referred to her as “The strongest woman I had ever known” and that she was. Surviving an abusive marriage, Hodgkins disease, a horrific car accident, and many many health issues, she stood tall and proud and NEVER complained. ….I love you so much “Cuz”…and I will miss you greatly. I am a better person for having known you ♥
Thank you Kevin for the wonderful post about my sister Jill. Every thing you stated about her is so true. I never realized how many lives she had truly touched until I sat at her funeral calling hours watching the line string out into the parking lot. Although during our adult lives we lived many miles apart, Jill and I talked almost every day. I know she missed being in PA with us, but I now realize God had plans for her. At her funeral service, Father Ed asked, “How many of you have an angel on today because of Jill?” It was unbelieveable how many hands shot up in the air. She truly touched many, many lives. When Jill would be sad because she missed a family wedding, graduation, etc., I always told her I closed my eyes and she was there …. walking beside me … holding my hand. Although my heart is heavy and I wonder how I’m going to go on without her, I know that Jill is in my heart. So all I have to do is close my eyes …..
Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to my cousin. It was nice to see and hear her again and her vibrancy for life and love for all.
You’re both very welcome. It was my pleasure and the least I could do. During our many conversations Jill talked extensively of you, so it’s good to have your words to associate with hers. I remember how eager she always was to get to Pennsylvania during time off.
Jill, as you both so touchingly demonstrated, was a wonderful, brave, and strong woman who touched many lives. Her absence is felt even here, and I can only imagine the loss on your end. My sincerest condolences.
I was so surprised and sad to read this. I didn’t know Jill’s name, and she didn’t know mine, but she called me “hon” when I came to the post station window to mail a package. :) She always had a big, genuine smile, and some friendly chit chit and really made you feel seen, you know? It’s good to think of all the people she made feel that way in all those years at that window. Thanks for letting me know more about her. I hope good memories will be a comfort to her family and friends.
I am the other Pa. sister and I also want to thank you. Jill was a very special and giving sister and aunt. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
I have been a close friend of Jill’s for over 20 years. We meet through aerobic classes and hit it off. She became like an aunt to my two daughters, who loved her. She was a great friend to my husband Ed and me. Even our dog Gizmo would get so excited when Aunt Jill would stop by, which was often. We would have family dinners and just chit chat for hours about everything. She became a big part of my family. Every holiday we would do Christmas cookies together which we all so looked forward to. It just will not be the same without my precious friend. She touched so many peoples lives. She had a special way about her that made anyone feel comfortable and she would always give great advice. Thank you for this tribute to her. I love just playing it just to hear her voice. My family and I miss her dearly!! It brings me comfort to know that I will always have a very special angel watching over my family. I miss you my dear friend more then words can say. You will always live on in my heart.