Remembering Jillian: A Heart That Touched Us All

It is with heavy hearts that we remember and celebrate the life of our dear colleague and friend, Jillian E. Powers. She was more than just a team member at Reade International—she was family. Her unexpected passing in December has left an immeasurable void, but today, we want to honor her by sharing the incredible impact she had on all of us.

Jillian came to Reade with no prior office experience but with an abundance of determination. She started as our accounting assistant, tackling sales order confirmations and working in accounts payable. But Jillian was never one to settle—she had an insatiable curiosity and a passion for learning, especially in technology. With time and dedication, she became our in-office IT guru, mastering Salesforce and cybersecurity. What she lacked in formal training, she made up for in sheer perseverance and hard work.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jillian’s heart shone brightest in the causes she championed. Autism awareness was especially close to her heart, inspired by her love for her autistic brother and her autistic son. She made it her mission to bring our company together every year for the Autism Project’s Imagine Walk, raising both funds and awareness for a cause that meant everything to her. Her devotion to her family was unwavering—she filled her office with Tigger figurines, treasured her annual Golden Girls wall calendar, and always spoke about the love she had for her son, Nelson and husband, Michael.

Jillian was a vibrant soul, full of energy and passion. She had a love for old-school hip-hop, from Aaliyah to Wu-Tang, and she cheered proudly for the Cincinnati Bengals. She had an ever-changing, fiery red hair color that matched her fierce spirit, always sported the most incredible nail art, and was the first to suggest trying a new place for lunch. Her laugh was contagious, her kindness boundless, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and valued was one of her greatest gifts.

She was more than a coworker—she was a friend, a mentor, a fighter, and a light in our lives. She created traditions, brought us together, and reminded us what it meant to care deeply for one another. Her passion, humor, and dedication made our workplace feel like home.

To Jillian’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. We can only imagine the depth of your loss, but please know that Jillian was not only loved by her family at home but also by her family here at Reade. She touched our lives in ways that will never be forgotten. Her kindness, dedication, and laughter will live on in our hearts, and we are forever grateful for the time we had with her. We will continue to honor her memory and support the causes she cared about, ensuring her legacy lives on.

Jillian, you are deeply missed. But your spirit, your love, and your impact on all of us will never fade. We will continue the traditions you started, hold onto the lessons you taught us, and cherish every memory we were lucky enough to share with you.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You will always be a part of us.