Carolynn Gilb, born January 5, 1946, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at Lantern Crest in Santee, California.
Carolynn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was centered on family and service to others. She grew up in Point Loma and attended Point Loma High School, where she formed lifelong values of community, dedication, and kindness.
She was married for 60 years to her beloved husband, Walter ("Jerry") Gilb, who predeceased her. The two met while traveling home on a Greyhound bus after Carolynn had been visiting her sister on the East Coast. Jerry's memorable introduction—asking if anyone was sitting next to her despite the bus being mostly empty—sparked a conversation that led to him asking her out by the end of the trip, beginning a lifelong love story. Together, they built a home grounded in commitment, care, and enduring love. They raised their two children in the home they built in El Cajon, California, creating a place filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting memories.
Carolynn had a creative and generous spirit. She enjoyed the art of stained glass, finding beauty and meaning in creating something lasting by hand. She was actively involved in her children's activities, including softball and Girl Scouts, where she generously gave her time and support. She also shared her talents by teaching backyard swimming lessons, patiently helping countless children gain confidence and safety in the water. Carolynn was a devoted Roman Catholic, and her faith was an important part of her life, guiding her values and the way she cared for others.
In their later years, Carolynn and Jerry enjoyed traveling together in their lovingly rebuilt 1955 Chevy and were active members of the Chiefs Car Club in San Diego, cherishing both the journeys and the friendships formed along the way.
She is survived by her son, Todd Gilb; her daughter, Krista Gilb; and her cherished grandchildren, Cassidy Gilb, David Martindale, Kelsie Gilb, and Cydney Martindale. Her legacy lives on through them and through the many lives she touched with her kindness, dedication, and quiet strength.
Carolynn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her willingness to give of herself to others, and the warmth she brought into every life she encountered.
We take comfort in the words of Scripture: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places... I am going to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2-3), trusting that Carolynn is now at peace and reunited with her beloved Jerry.
Carolynn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life was centered on family and service to others. She grew up in Point Loma and attended Point Loma High School, where she formed lifelong values of community, dedication, and kindness.
She was married for 60 years to her beloved husband, Walter ("Jerry") Gilb, who predeceased her. The two met while traveling home on a Greyhound bus after Carolynn had been visiting her sister on the East Coast. Jerry's memorable introduction—asking if anyone was sitting next to her despite the bus being mostly empty—sparked a conversation that led to him asking her out by the end of the trip, beginning a lifelong love story. Together, they built a home grounded in commitment, care, and enduring love. They raised their two children in the home they built in El Cajon, California, creating a place filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting memories.
Carolynn had a creative and generous spirit. She enjoyed the art of stained glass, finding beauty and meaning in creating something lasting by hand. She was actively involved in her children's activities, including softball and Girl Scouts, where she generously gave her time and support. She also shared her talents by teaching backyard swimming lessons, patiently helping countless children gain confidence and safety in the water. Carolynn was a devoted Roman Catholic, and her faith was an important part of her life, guiding her values and the way she cared for others.
In their later years, Carolynn and Jerry enjoyed traveling together in their lovingly rebuilt 1955 Chevy and were active members of the Chiefs Car Club in San Diego, cherishing both the journeys and the friendships formed along the way.
She is survived by her son, Todd Gilb; her daughter, Krista Gilb; and her cherished grandchildren, Cassidy Gilb, David Martindale, Kelsie Gilb, and Cydney Martindale. Her legacy lives on through them and through the many lives she touched with her kindness, dedication, and quiet strength.
Carolynn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her willingness to give of herself to others, and the warmth she brought into every life she encountered.
We take comfort in the words of Scripture: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places... I am going to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2-3), trusting that Carolynn is now at peace and reunited with her beloved Jerry.
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