Gilda Ann Bytendorp Gandre

1947 ~ 2012
Gilda Ann Gandre passed away April 10, 2012, in Sandy, Utah, surrounded by family after a courageous five year battle with Parkinson's disease. Gilda was born May 8, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lain and Donna Bytendorp. She was the second of nine children and quickly demonstrated an immense caring nature for all. Gilda graduated from Granite High School in 1965, during her schooling she was a model student as she never stopped learning and taking on any challenge up until she passed away. She met Terry Lee Gandre by chance and they married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 22, 1968, they just celebrated their 44th anniversary. Gilda graduated from Stevens Henager's in Business Administration and then Hollywood Beauty School in cosmetology. She quickly had a large following allowing her to have a salon in her home. It created an environment in where she was able to be creative and care for her family. On December 4, 1980 she received the greatest calling possible for this earthly life. She became a mother to one of God's angels. She tackled this blessing with great determination, tears, success and unconditional love. Frustrated with obtaining services for him, she went back to college and obtained a degree in Special Education from the University of Utah. She was determined to make a better life and help other mothers who too received this blessing. She taught as a special education teacher for 15 years in Granite School District, she touched so many people's lives and she loved each and every one "her kids". Gilda would often be caught working into the early hours of the morning preparing for class and was deeply saddened when Parkinson's forced her to stop teaching. Gilda had a wonderful testimony and she loved the gospel. She enjoyed serving others and did not like being the center of attention. There was nothing that she couldn't do if she put her mind to it. Camping, oil painting, sculpting, upholstering furniture, sewing, cooking to name just a few. She was fearless, whether it was river rafting, roller blading or capturing scorpions for a science project, she always did everything with a 150% effort. She loved kisses mostly of the Hershey kind. She has faith that her family will once again wrap their arms around her again. She is now in heavens paradise.
Gilda is survived by her husband Terry, her children Lynnette (Tibby) Perez, Chuck (Amy), Paul (Tricia), Cindy (Darrell) Magee, and Mark. Her grandchildren Nico, Kameron, Gavin, Kylee, Adrianna, Sean, Trey, Alexandria, and Donovan. Her father Lain Bytendorp, brothers, sisters, and many other family and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her mother Donna Taylor Bytendorp.
Per mom's wishes private graveside services will be held, Saturday, April 14th. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 1 p.m. at the Telford Ward House located at 1834 East Creek Road (7995 South), Sandy Utah. Please bring a shared memory of Gilda and school supplies; she would say teachers never have enough. Please send an email to COLGilda@gmail.com if you would like more information.
Gilda loved learning and she loved being a teacher. She felt education was so important; in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gilda's Special Needs School Supply fund. Please mail to PO Box 26391, Salt Lake City, Utah 84126 or deposit at any Cyprus Credit Union under that name.