The Life of Alvina Nagle
NAGLE, Alvina Carolyn (nee Gillingham), 93, a resident since 1961 of Gladwyne, PA, passed away at home February 5 to reunite with her life partner and husband of 69 years, Frank O. Nagle Jr. M.D., who passed away exactly one month earlier at 94. They met on a blind date in 1942 – they saw “Pride of the Yankees” with Gary Cooper at the old Suburban Theatre in Ardmore – and were married in 1945. Born August 21, 1921 (for three days she was named Norma, until her paternal grandmother, Alvina Schahl Gillingham, suggested she be named for her), at home on Hobson Street in southwest Philadelphia to Caroline (nee Graef) and George L. Gillingham Jr. Raised in Brookline, she was a graduate of Haverford High School and Drexel University with a degree in business.
She is survived by her four sons, their spouses and children and a great-granddaughter: Dr. Lawrence (Patricia) of Chattanooga (currently working in New Zealand); Ronald (Carol) of Conn., James (Denise) of Va. and David (Jennifer) of Conn.; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Mark (Dr. Beth), Scott (Raegan), Melissa, Samuel and Emily; two step-grandchildren, Ashley and Michael Burr; and great-granddaughter Caroline Nagle. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Hollis Butterfield of Newtown Square; brother-in-law Dr. W. William Nagle and his wife Barbara; and brother-in-law Dr. Warren C. Nagle. She is survived by sisters-in-law Laila Nagle of Radnor and Ardelle Nagle of Sayre, Pa.
Devoted to her family, she spent many an afternoon or evening attending her children’s and grandchildren’s innumerable sporting events, concerts and plays, and “Grammy” will always be remembered for her Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey dinners.
She was a direct descendent of James Porter Gillingham, renowned Philadelphia furniture designer of the 1800s whose eponymous federal-style chair is exhibited in The White House, and of Yeamans Gillingham, who emigrated from England and in 1691 purchased 100 acres in Philadelphia from William Penn.
A dual memorial service for Frank and Alvina will be held March 7 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Ardmore. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Ardmore or the Wills Eye Hospital Fund for Vision. Arrangments by Bringhurst Funeral Home at West Laurel Hill Cemetery.