Gillian Hall Ratcliffe

Gillian Hall Ratcliffe, age 85, passed away in the early morning of February 2, 2024 at Bridgeport Hospital following complications during convalescence from a fall in December. Born deaf into a hearing world in Meriden, the youngest of three children to the late Dr. Martin I. Hall and Eleanor Wierum Hall, Gilly, as she was fondly called, grew up in Bristol. She was predeceased by her brother, Jonathan Hall and sister Jennifer Gamble. Gilly attended the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, graduating in 1957 where she learned to sign and communicate so beautifully.

She was a competitive and champion synchronized swimmer, taking top honors in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), local, state and national championships. All this despite being unable to hear the music while swimming. Gilly was an avid tennis player. She also studied ballet and modern dance, her second love. She loved music and the performing arts, and she appeared in many local plays and productions.

Gillian attended Gallaudet College in Washington, DC. She married Lyndon Hanes Ratcliffe in 1961. They traveled extensively and enjoyed many activities together including scuba diving, skiing, and tennis. They were blessed with three children, Glenn Hall Ratcliffe, Bess Hutchison and Paul Briggs Ratcliffe. Gilly was further blessed with five grandchildren who she adored, Lyndon, Sam, Lauren, Chase and Sydney. She also enjoyed her winter vacations at the Colony Resort in Long Boat Key, FL and her summers relaxing at the family cottage on West Hill Lake.

Gillian’s family will be forever grateful for the tender love and care provided by the assisted living staff at Motif in Southbury and by the entire nursing staff at the Carolton in Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Gillian’s honor to The American School for the Deaf , 139 N. Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107 or the Carolton Chronic & Convalescent Hospital , 400 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield, CT 06824