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B.C. Bailey Funeral Home - Wallingford

273 South Elm Street

Wallingford, Connecticut

Mary Gilson Obituary

Mary Cosgrove Gilson
If you ever needed a good laugh, a great haircut, or an enthusiastic reason to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day (whether it was March or not), then you definitely knew Mary Gilson. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Mary found peace on January 19, 2026, at the age of 71.
Mary Margret-Anne Cosgrove Gilson was born in Meriden on June 19, 1954. Mary was the daughter of the late John and Bridget (Kelly) Cosgrove. She graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1972 and went on to become a hairdresser. For decades, Mary owned Mary's Mane Attractions in Wallingford.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 43 years, James Gilson. She is survived by her stepson James Gilson and his wife Sara, grandchildren Shawna and Brent Gilson, brother John Cosgrove and his wife Ann, sister Sue Scarpati, nephews Ryan Cosgrove, Vincent (Kathryn), Kevin (Shelby), Salvatore (Kati) Scarpati, Chad Waldeck and niece Katie Cosgrove, brother-in-law Sal Scarpati and James Waldeck, sister-in-law Kris Gilson (Carla) and many other family members and dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm Street, Wallingford. Following the visitation, all are welcome to continue celebrating Mary's life at the Wallingford Elks Lodge, where an Elks Ritual will be held, and tributes will be offered in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to the Sisters' Project, an organization founded on her generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others. See her tribute and leave a message of remembrance at www.BaileyCares.com.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record-Journal on Jan. 28, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Gilson

Sponsored by B.C. Bailey Funeral Home - Wallingford.

Not sure what to say?





Jay & Kit Cei

February 3, 2026

We will miss Mary´s smile and infectious laugh! Her obituary captured Mary´s ability to make you feel loved and welcome.
Truly a loss to all!

Florene Condon

January 31, 2026

There will never be another you Mary Gilson. I will always remember all of our happy and sad times together. rest in peace, my friend you´re suffering here on earth is over and I know you´re already in heaven. Until we meet again.!!

Joanne Stevens

January 31, 2026

Deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Mary. A sweetheart who was always smiling and had a kind and generous heart. Even though she will be greatly missed by those who loved her, she is brightening up some place new.
Joanne Austin Stevens

Timothy Ennever

January 28, 2026

Jimmy and family, I was so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I had the pleasure of going to school with Mary for many years, always a smile on her face, she will be missed by all who knew her, my thoughts and prayers are with you and just know she is with you always.

Michael DelGuidice

January 27, 2026

So sorry for your loss, loved Mary! I meet her when we both worked in Everybody's Market. She cut my hair until she retired.

Franz Kremzar

January 27, 2026

Jim and Family my condolence at the loss of Mary who had a way of brightening everyone's day and being a friend forever once knowing her. Mary is now in God's care but at peace in the Lords House!!!

Donna Dunabeitia Carney

January 26, 2026

Dearest Jimmy, just heard of Mary’s passing from Anita Tester my prayers and Condolences are with you, I’m so sorry to hear this may you find Comfort and Peace knowing you had an unconditional Love between you both, many Blessings Donna

Mary Lynn Mead

January 25, 2026

My late husband and I were fortunate to have been neighbors to Mary and Jim and I am grateful we were we´re friends. My heart is heavy that Mary had to go through so much there was no better person that I can think of she blessed our lives with joy. Jim you are in my prayers I know how difficult this is for you. You were a special loving husband to Mary try to remember that through these difficult times. My very best, Lynn Mead

Pat Noonan

January 22, 2026

It would be hard to imagine a better person than Mary Gilson. With her Irish humor, her incredibly strong faith and a heart as big as all outdoors, she was an extraordinary friend. And in Jimmy she found the perfect mate. She adored him just as much as he adored her. Her family and friends have suffered a tremendous blow, but we can all take heart in knowing that Mary had one of the fastest trips through the pearly gates ever. I hope that Jimmy and Mary's family can find solace in their many happy memories of this remarkable individual.
Pat Noonan

Susan Bossidy Pagni

January 22, 2026

, they say the best people leave this world early to early and Mary was one of the most beautiful souls with a big heart she was beyond lovely with a strong faith. There is no doubt in my mind God was waiting for her with open arms. I cant begin to say how sad the world will be without her and I know shes resting in peace. Prayers for her family.

Sandra Freeman

January 22, 2026

I have no words other then to say Mary will be missed by many.
My condolences to Jimmy and family, and to the many friend's Mary has. Farwell for now. Say hello to Shawna for me. I know she's there with you. You are so loved, XX. Sandy

Monica

January 21, 2026

Praying all the wonderful memories help to get Mary´s family through the hard times. She was a special lady

Monica

Lucille Burkell

January 21, 2026

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy . I am so sad for you. I´m blessed to have had you and Coz in our lives and I treasure the many fun times.
Love,
Lu and Dick Burkell

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Memorial Events
for Mary Gilson

Jan

29

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

B.C. Bailey Funeral Home

273 South Elm St., Wallingford, CT 06492

Funeral services provided by:

B.C. Bailey Funeral Home - Wallingford

273 South Elm Street, Wallingford, CT 06492

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