Obituary

Nolan Daniel Gillespie, beloved child of John and Andrea Gillespie (nee Matus), passed away peacefully on October 5, 2017 in his hometown of Chicago. Diagnosed with a one-in-billion primary immune deficiency, Nolan was the first child in the U.S. to undergo a stem cell transplant for his condition. A fearless fighter but also a sweet, funny and mischievous toddler.

Born on November 8, 2015, Nolan’s time on earth was short but full of love. He was cherished by his grandparents Daniel and Carol Gillespie and Lawrence and Claudia Matus; by his aunts and uncles Robert and Melissa Gillespie, Alex and Bethany Matus, and Beau Matus; by his loving pet Rocco; by many friends and by the staff of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital who managed his care for his final few months.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, October 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home, 1458 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL, and a memorial mass will be at St. Mary of the Lake, 4200 N Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL, on Friday, October 13 at 10 a.m.

Donations can be made in memory of Nolan Gillespie to support Stem Cell Transplantation Research at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 4, Chicago, IL 60611 or www.luriechildrens.org/nolangillespie