Jean (Ellis) Tilghman

Jean Poole Tilghman of Hatboro, PA passed away on August 25, 2024.  She was 91 years old.

Born in Saginaw, MI on September 27, 1932, she was the daughter of the late James and Hazel Ellis. She was the beloved wife of the late William R. Tilghman, Jr.

She was the loving mother of Michael, Douglas, Robert, and the late Thomas. She is the grandmother of 7 surviving grandchildren, 1 late grandchild, and the great grandmother of 13.

Jean met her husband, Bill while attending Nurses Training in Philadelphia, and after Bill’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Hatboro, PA, then Horsham, PA and raised 4 boys along the way. 

During those many years Jean ran a busy household filled with kids, dogs, neighbors’ kids, baseball, football, guitars, music, and one husband.  Jean was a long-time member of the Hatboro Chapter of the Sweet Adelines barbershop chorus; and beginning in the 1970’s Jean earned her diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse and served as a nurse at Warminster General Hospital for many years.

Jean and Bill pursued activities they enjoyed, particularly camping and motorcycles.  They were active members of the Blue Comets Motorcycle Club for many years.   In 1976 they took a cross country motorcycle trip. 

Beginning in 1979, Jean and Bill started hosting what became a long running Eagles Sunday tradition at the Tilghman’s, attended by the kids, the kids’ wives, the kids’ friends, and occasional strays, all avid Eagles fans.  Bill’s bar, stocked with beer and limerick books, kept all attendees in reasonably good spirits.  

During the 1980s Jean and Bill built a large pool at their home in Horsham and enjoyed years of pool parties.

During the early 1990s they retired down to Ocala, FL and enjoyed years of golfing, great restaurants, Florida Gators football, and travels throughout Florida.

After 20-plus years in Florida, Jean and Bill returned to PA to be closer to their family.  

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Thursday August 29, 2024 from 10am to 11am at the John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 406 Easton Road, Willow Grove PA 19090.  A Memorial Service will follow at 11am.

Interment will take place at a future date 

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home, 215-659-1630, www,bryersfh.com

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