Jill A. Grebert

TROY – Jill Anne Grebert, 44, passed peacefully and comfortably to the arms of her mother on July 18th 2022.  Born September 1, 1977 to Robert C. and Maura Killelea Grebert.  She had the privilege of a second mom, Donna A. Grebert.

Jill was a graduate of Colonie Central High School where she played basketball and softball.  She received her BS in physical education and certification as an athletic trainer from SUNY Cortland.  She received an MA from the Sage Colleges in Organizational Management.

Jill worked for nearly 20 years for the Sage Colleges as a coach, athletic trainer, and Director of Fitness.  While at Sage, Jill led many programs aimed at diversity, inclusion, anti-bullying, and a healthier campus. Those were not just words for Jill. They were the tenants by which she lived her life and made all around her more comfortable and healthy.

Jill very briefly worked at Sacred Heart School in Troy as a physical education teacher. She was quickly embraced by that community before her illness took its toll.

Jill’s passion in life, besides her daughters was Tae Kwon Do.  Her career was sparked by Grand Master Frank Noguera and nurtured under the direction of Grand Master Doo Young Pai, who gave her the opportunity to share her passion with others as an instructor. Jill was recognized by Kukkiwon, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, for her dedication and contributions to Tae Kwon Do. She was recently awarded her 4th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor title by Grand Master Pai. Jill was deeply committed to Tae Kwon Do and through her dedication and tireless efforts, spread her love of TKD to a great many students over the years of her training.

Jill is survived by her parents, her daughters, Mollie and Caitie, her former spouse and co-parent CJ, her sisters Kristen Gallagher, Kearston Crisorio and her brother, Scott Gavigan (Teresa).  Her nephews, Liam, Padraig and Declan Gallagher, Anthony and Nicholas Crisorio, and nieces Alexandra, Sierra, and Jadyn Gavigan.  Her Aunts and Uncles Kevin and Tippy Killelea, Sheila Killelea, Eileen and Michael Keegan, Deirdre and Michael McEntarfer, John and Debra Grebert, Anne Grebert and Jim Cotter, and Jeanne Grebert and Tom Wutz, and her cousins Brigid Killelea, Kathleen Tran (Quang), Thomas Killelea (Brandy), Michael Keegan (Thea), Heather McEntarfer (Leah), Caitlin Holley (Chris), Andrew Mesick (Sarah), Linnea Heffner (Justin), Daniel Grebert, and Sarah Cruden (Craig).

Jill was predeceased by her beloved mother, Maura, her grandparents Herman and Rena Grebert, Mary Ellen (Molly) and Thomas Killelea and Aunt Kathleen Killelea, and Uncle Ross Pusatere, who were waiting to welcome her into their loving embrace.

There are so many people to thank for helping Jill get through this journey; the doctors at NYOH who used “all the tools in the toolbox,” the nursing staff at AMC’s D4 East who do God’s work, the staff at the Eddy Village Green who made her last days so peaceful and comfortable.  A special thanks to cousin Linnea who “got her in the door”. the entire Pai family and organization particularly Christy and Gayle, Russell Sage College for their incredible gift to Mollie and Caitie, and the Sacred Heart community for welcoming Jill and the girls into their family.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jill’s family on Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave., Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:00 at Sacred Heart Church, Troy. Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jill’s memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.givenow.lls.org)  PO Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470. To leave a message of condolence for the family or to view Jill’s custom video tribute, visit www.CannonFuneral.com       

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.