Gayle Mary Gilmore

Gayle Mary Gilmore

April 01, 1947 - April 07, 2018
Lake Forest CA

Gayle Mary Gilmore

April 01, 1947 - April 07, 2018
Lake Forest CA

Obituary

Gayle Mary Gilmore passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2018 after a long, brave fight with cancer. She was born in Bangor, Maine on April 1, 1947.  She attended Hampden Academy and graduated in 1965. She went to De’Lor Beauty College after high school and opened her own salon called the Golden Net.  In 1968 she moved to CA where she met her future husband Gene. Eventually they settled in Santa Ana, CA and began their family.

Gayle truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: She was an active member at St. John the Baptist starting in 1974 where she served on the auxiliary board and was the chair of many events like the dinner dance and fashion show.  She spent many summers at the beach enjoying friends and family, traveling to Maine, and watching her children grow.  She was an amazing stay at home mom who cooked nightly; some of her memorable dishes were “hot dog casserole” and “shrimp regal”.

Gayle moved to Lake Forest, CA after the passing of her husband Gene.  There she established a new life including working at Santa Margarita Catholic High School as an administrative secretary and serving on the homeowner’s board.   She met Tom and they created a life of memories.  They ventured into a card and bookmark business called T&G Concepts.  They spent many weekends at the swap meet selling their wares.

Gayle enjoyed watching her grandchildren in every event they participated in from soccer games, music performances and drama productions.  She enjoyed dinner dates with friends, traveling to Vegas and playing slots, and was a huge collector of frogs; at least 100 frogs sit in her “frog house”. During the holidays she had an annual cookie bake with the grandkids and was known by many for her famous Peanut Brittle.   Gayle was always on time, if not early, and extremely organized. She was often found watching shows like The Voice, Dancing with the Stars and Fixer Upper.  She and Tom enjoyed many breakfasts at the Snooty Fox.

Gayle is predeceased by her parents, Ray and Jane Leavitt. She is survived by her long time companion Tom Dillon; daughter Veronica (Oscar); son Gene Jr. (Lex); daughter Nicole (Josh); son Brennan; six grandchildren Tyler (Brittney), Cory (Elyse), Marissa, Rebecca, Jared and Kylie; 3 great-grandchildren Dallan, Ellie and Desmond, with one on the way; her siblings Stephen (Gale), Terry (Debbi) and Peggy (Kurt) and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gayle’s Rosary and Visitation will occur Monday April 16th from 7-9 pm at O’Connor Mortuary: 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA. Her funeral mass will occur at Santiago de Compostela on Tuesday April 17th  at 21682 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest, CA.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers throughout the years. Gayle will be greatly missed.

 

Vigil Service

  • Date & Time: April 16, 2018 (7:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Funeral Mass

  • Date & Time: April 17, 2018 (10:00 AM)
  • Venue: Santiago De Compostela Catholic Church
  • Location: 21682 Lake Forest Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 951-8599

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: April 17, 2018 (11:30 AM)
  • Venue: El Toro Memorial Park
  • Location: 25751 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 951-9102

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10 responses to Gayle Mary Gilmore

  1. So sad to hear of Gayle’s death. I was very fortunate to have had Gayle’s friendship since the days of her Golden Net in Hampden, Maine. Because she took my husband and me to see a cottage for sale in Otis, ME, we sold our house in Hampden, moved to Otis and now I am living on the same spot where the cottage originally stood. Will never forget Gayle especially her calls on my birthday every year. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Maryann

  2. Sandra hall says:

    You were my best friend when we were young..god look over her. She was one of a kind.

  3. Vinal Smith says:

    We are so very sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing.

    Vinal & Carol

  4. jane clark says:

    The Gayle I knew was a very courageous, persevering individual with a strong constitution for life itself.

    She battled cancer not once but twice. Unfortunately, in the end, her light went out.

    She now has a new address and that’s Heaven, the most beautiful place on Earth.

    I’m most grateful for the unconditional love and support she shown my children Veronica and Gene over the years.

    The one thing we had in common was that, at one time or another, we were both married to the same man Gene Gilmore, the Father of my children.

    Rest in peace, Gayle

  5. tw.uy says:

    At this moment I am ready to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming over again to read additional news.

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