Obituary

Pili Gulledge
December 17, 1940 – September 26, 2024

Maria Del Pilar (Pili) (née Fernandez-Valle Idigoras) Gulledge, 83, from Coto de Caza, CA passed away on September 26. She is survived by her loving son, Elias (and wife, Lori); three granddaughters, Theresa (and husband, Steve), Rachel (and husband, Ryan), and Samantha; one great-granddaughter, Olive; sister, Mali; one niece, Jennifer (and husband, Dan), five nephews, Karl, John III (and wife Trish), Alexander (and wife, Gretchen), Aaryn (and wife, Vanessa), Reuben (and wife, Courtney); and eight grand nieces and nephews. Pili was preceded in death by her husband John, who passed away in 2015, and her nephew Andrew, who passed away in 2022 (leaving behind his wife, Lesley). Pili loved all her pets throughout her life, including her Scottish Terriers Cutty Sark and Miss Maggie and her most recent dog, a sweet Border Terrier named Zoey.

Pili was born on December 17, 1940 to Elias Florentino Rafael Fernandez-Valle Pinto and Conseulo Idigoras Ruiz in Santander, Spain and grew up in Madrid, Spain. She studied at the Instituto Lope de Vega in Madrid, Spain. She, her former spouse William Finney, and her son Elias made a move to a new country, to Colorado Springs, CO, USA in 1964. Pili always felt a sense of pride that America became her permanent home.

Pili built a highly successful real estate career in southern California, helping hundreds of families achieve the dream of homeownership. Pili married John Gulledge in 1988 until John’s death in 2015. They enjoyed 27 wonderful years of marriage, spending time traveling to visit friends and family members across the country along with many lovely vacations with Air Force Academy friends. They often hosted family gatherings at their home in Coto, to cheer on their favorite football teams and enjoy family time over delicious meals. Pili and John also enjoyed traveling abroad quite extensively. She took great care of both John and her mother Consuelo through their last days, being ever the attentive wife and daughter.

Memorial services for Pili Gulledge will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 1:30pm at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo, CA. Pili’s ashes will be interred at the Air Force Academy alongside John’s at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org). Pili’s smile, laughter, and dedication to her family and friends will survive in all our hearts. She will be missed greatly by all for her kindness, love for her family and friends, and deep dedication to her faith.