Avon - Josephine Wallis Gilchrist, "Wally", was born on the "Avon Valley" January 22, 1937, to Thelma (Oberton) and Wallace Moody. She passed away on February 6, 2025. Wally lived her life by the motto, "Family is everything," and embodied that throughout her 88 years; she was always surrounded by loving family. She attended elementary school at the Avon Valley Schoolhouse and graduated from Strong High School before marrying Edward Gilchrist and starting their family. She and Ed were married on November 27, 1955, and spent the next 59 years, until Ed's passing, raising their family and building several homes on various properties in Avon, retiring on "The Hill." While raising their family she worked various jobs including at the Head Start Program and hand sewing and inspecting shoes for J.L. Coombs. She later graduated from Thomas College and worked at UMF, retiring as the Executive Secretary to the Vice President of UMF. Wally loved animals - especially horses and German Shepherds. She spent many hours riding horseback and always had a shepherd as a companion. She had many hobbies, including flower gardens, houseplants, bird watching, knitting, spinning yarn(s), and listening to a wide variety of music. Wally was predeceased by her husband, Ed; grandson, Glen; her parents; and several siblings and other extended family members. She is survived by her four children, Gregory (Janet) Gilchrist, Veronica (Thomas) Plog, Jerry (Maureen) Gilchrist, and Cynthia (Scott) Dixon; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visiting hours and a celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, February 12th from 4pm - 6pm at Dan & Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, located at 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine. Interment will be in the spring at the Byron Cemetery in Phillips. Donations in Wally's memory may be made to the Phillips Public Library, PO Box 0, Phillips, ME 04966. Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington Maine, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com