Elizabeth Heard Gambee
Elizabeth Heard Gambee
Obituary
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Elizabeth Heard Gambee Obituary
Elizabeth died at home on January 9, 2024 at age 71. She led a courageous battle against Parkinson's disease for many years.
Born and raised in New York City, she attended Chapin School and later graduated from Wellesley College summa cum laude as a Wellesley Scholar. Her career took her to Chemical Bank, where she became a vice president in the Correspondent Banking Division. She served on the French Desk, living in Paris for two years. She left the bank in 1991 and began teaching English as a second language. She subsequently applied her expertise in French by translating over 100 books for the publishing houses of Rizzoli, Abbeville and Flammarion.
For over 20 years, Elizabeth was a trustee of The Webster Apartments, a nonprofit organization benefiting professional women in New York City. She was a member of the Cosmopolitan Club, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, and the Nantucket Yacht Club. She also volunteered for many years for Meals on Wheels in the local Westchester community. A lifelong reader, she was actively engaged in book clubs in both New York and Rye.
Elizabeth was devoted to her family and her community. Few people could match her selfless, warm, and caring personality. She inspired those around her with her adventurous spirit, love of travel, and endless curiosity. From the ballet to museums, she was a dedicated patron of the arts and regularly shared her passions with friends and family.
Surviving are her loving husband, Robert Gambee of New York, Rye and Nantucket, their children Robert and Claire, her mother Phyllis, past president of the New York Junior League, and her brother Tony Heard of Nashville and his family: wife Margaret, children Robert, Emily and Allison. Her father, Anthony Heard, retired Chairman of the U.S. Trust Company, predeceased her.
A remembrance family service is planned at their Rye home in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ's Church, 2 Rectory Street, Rye, NY 10580.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Landis
March 5, 2025
A colleague of mine at Chemical Bank. She was a very special person that made my transition from the military to a career in banking: patient, kind, and understanding. Our path diverged a few years later but she is a person I never forgot and always kept in touch via Bob Gambee, when we were co-workers at Deutsche. She will never be forgotten.
Robert Landis
Barbara Reno
March 13, 2024
The news of Elizabeth´s passing reached me only this week in West Palm Beach. I was devastated to learn of her loss. It is an enormous loss to my longtime friend Bob, her devoted husband, and to her beautiful, intelligent children Robert and Claire, whom she adored.
Elizabeth and I supported each other decades ago as we made our transitions from bank officers to motherhood and she encouraged me in a late-in-life discovery of intense appreciation for the French language and culture.
Dear Elizabeth approached everything in life with charm and grace -- always an inspiration to me. Her loss is deeply felt.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Jan Whitman Ogden
February 28, 2024
I am so distressed to hear of Elizabeth´s passing - way before her time. Four months ago, I remember running into her on a NYC bus headed for Midtown. She was elegantly dressed with a particularly colorful scarf. As we neared her destination, I learned she had planned to visit two museums with new Exhibits and to meet a friend for coffee in between. Perched on her walker, flush with excitement over the prospect of learning new things, she exited the bus with gusto, blowing a wide kiss in my direction. I had no inkling that this would be my last conversation with her, but a beautiful memory nonetheless. My heart goes out to Bob, Robert and Claire, who must miss her terribly. I grieve with you for your tragic loss. Sending and ,
Jan (Whitman Ogden)
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arthur malman
February 14, 2024
Dear Bob We have always known Elizabeth as your elegant and charming partner. Until we read the obituary we did not know the breadth of her accomplishments and work for the betterment of others. We can not even begin to imagine the ravages of Parkinson's on such a delicate person and her family love to all Arthur and Laurie
Stuart Warren
February 5, 2024
Bob, For you and your children to have had such an extraordinary person as part of your lives is a real blessing and I know she will continue to be part of your lives. Thinking back to our freshman year, I cannot imagine a more perfect partner for you. I am so sorry for your loss. Stuart Warren
Robert Landis
February 4, 2024
A kind and gentle person. We worked together in the late `70s and I will never forget her kind smile after all these years. She brightened the day with her presence. Bob I am so sorry for your loss. Bob Landis
Barbara A. Porter
February 4, 2024
Friendship with Elizabeth stemmed for her Chemical Bank days when my twin sister Joan and she worked there together. When I lived in New York, we kept up a bit but after I moved away in 2006, we no longer had a chance to see each other again. I am sorry for that as one always thinks there will be time. I am so sorry that her family has been robbed of her presence too soon. She had her own aura and was a special person indeed. In sympathy to her family and friends. Barbara Porter (Washington D.C.)
Donna Moran
February 1, 2024
Bob,
Chuck and I were so sorry to hear about Elizabeth. My father had Parkinson's and we know what a tough disease that is to navigate. We wish you and your family the very best for the future. Donna and Chuck Moran
Cindy Weissman (and family)
February 1, 2024
I was so sorry to hear about Elizabeth. When I first met her, I could see she was a kind good person. I hope the mourning period goes as easily as possible. May your happy memories remain in your heart.
Cindy Weissman
Charles "Hop" Fuhrmann
January 31, 2024
Bob: So sorry to learn of Elizabeth´s passing. I am sure she only had the best care and fullest life available for her. My thoughts are of you and our old times. Charles "Hop" Fuhrmann
Hilary Andersen
January 30, 2024
Dear Bob, My deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember meeting Elizabeth once many years ago on Nantucket. A lovely woman exuding warmth, elegance and poise. She touched the lives of so many. May your memories of her live on in your heart forever. Warmest wishes, Hilary Andersen
Dolores Eyler
January 30, 2024
I always picture Elizabeth smiling and gracious, curious and shy. Van and I were so very sorry to hear of her death. I sat next to her a short two months ago at our garden club holiday program, and she was as lovely as ever. Bless her and all of you. - Dolores Eyler and Van Siler
James and Susan Di Leo
January 29, 2024
Dear Bob, Thank you for including us in the mailing of the announcement of your dear wife's passing. James and I wish you comfort and peace as you mourn losing her. Reading about her made us feel like somehow we know her just a little. Take care. James and Susan Di Leo
KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS
January 28, 2024
Dear Bob, Thank you so much for sharing with me the announcement of Elizabeth´s passing. I am so very sorry for your loss and send my deepest condolences. Warmest regards, Kelly
Elaine Jensen
January 27, 2024
I never met Elizabeth but knew the family because my husband ,Jim, was the carpenter at the Gambee home for many years.
Dede Bartlett
January 26, 2024
Dear Bob...Jim and I have fond memories being with Elizabeth and you in Nantucket. We had wonderful conversations and I was impressed with her many achievements. But above all, I was struck by her elegance. Elizabeth had inner and external beauty, and it was a joy to be with her. Jim and I grieve for you but take comfort knowing that you had so many years with this exceptional lady. with love, Dede and Jim
Cynthia J MacKay
January 26, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the death of beautiful, brilliant, astoundingly accomplished Elizabeth. She made the world a better place. She was my inspiration. Many condolances to Bob, Robert and Claire. Cynthia MacKay
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