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Ellen Gilchrist
1935 - 2024
Ellen Gilchrist
1935 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2024
Ellen Gilchrist Obituary
Ellen Gilchrist was an author who won a National Book Award in 1984 for her story collection, "Victory Over Japan."
We invite you to share condolences for Ellen Gilchrist in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: AP Photo/Rogelio P. Solis)
19 Entries
Thomas Hofer
July 14, 2025
To this day, I remember Ellen with pleasure.
Thomas Hofer
June 9, 2025
Ellen Gilchrist is still rm
Thomas Hofer
April 29, 2025
I still remember Ellen Gilchrist with pleasure. From time to time, she appeared in New Orleans, and I enjoyed listening to her.
Thomas Hofer
February 14, 2025
On one occasion, she appeared at the Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans and autographed my copy of her book RHODA with "To Thomas, with love, Ellen Gilchrist." That made me smile and feel good.
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Thomas Hofer
February 14, 2025
book RHODA "For Thomas, with love, Ellen Gilchrist."
With that, she made me feel good.
Thomas Hofer
August 18, 2024
To Phyliss Rosenberg-Feliciano: I read with interest your tribute to Ellen Gilchrist, especially your comment about her book FALLING THROUGH SPACE. Like you, I enjoyed reading that book, because Ellen describes aspects of her life in a very easygoing and relaxing style. She is obviously happy with her experiences and feels that her readers should learn from them as well. Two things I enjoyed are her relationship with a man much younger than her (intimate) and her flying from New York to London aboard a supersonic jet.
Phyliss Rosenberg-Feliciano
August 17, 2024
I was saddened when I learned that Ellen Gilchrist had passed away. Among the many of Ms. Gilchrist´s books I own is Falling Through Space. I remember I bought it when it was first published. I attempted to read it but was too intimidated by her brilliance and creativity and honesty. But I finally said I´m going to read it, and I did, finishing it just this morning. I came away wondering where the hell does time go...and with gratitude that Ellen had a mother who was so confident in her own mothering that she created a writer like Ellen Gilchrist.
On a side note, I wrote to Ellen in 1986 via her publisher. I was delighted to hear back from her. I still have that letter. It is postmarked January 5, 1987, Jackson, MS.
Sending peace and warm wishes to the Gilchrist family.
Brooke DeNisco
June 10, 2024
Hi, I just wanted to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Ellen Gilchrist. I am simply a reader and fan who has been deeply moved by her books. Years ago, I put together a collection of books I love for my now 16-year-old daughter. I wrote Ms. Gilchrist a letter and asked her to sign a book for my daughter to add to that collection. I sent a package with a letter and the book and return postage. I didn't hear back, which was certainly understandable for such a busy woman. (I had never written an author before.)In 2020 I was shocked when a package arrived with a letter and books signed for my daughter and myself. Ms. Gilchrist was also puzzled when she got my package in 2020 postmarked 2016. It was missing for four years. Her letter and books are treasured and will be passed down to the next generation of my family.
Suzanne Schroeder
March 9, 2024
I'm so lucky to have some typed poems given to me by Ellen, was a friend of one of her sons when she lived in uptown New Orleans. Read all of her books and went to some of her early signings. She was the epitome of the southern dame. RIP
Thomas Hofer
March 3, 2024
Ellen Gilchrist was one of my favorite authors of later years. Her book FALLING THROUGH SPACE made for enjoyable reading while I was evacuated during Katrina. One book that I wrote an article about was ACTS OF GOD in which she makes the presence of God known in our lives if we will allow Him to. My desk companion is RHODA. May Ellen now rest in peace and rise in glory.
Jennifer Kathleen Gibbons
February 19, 2024
I never knew Ellen personally, but her short stories were sublime. They've were such an influence on my writing. All her characters I will miss: Rhoda, Miss Crystal, Traceleen, Nora Jane, Freddy, Jessie, Olivia, all of them, they were divine. My sympathies to the family; you had an extraordinary mother/grandmother.
RA
February 15, 2024
An amazing, award winning writer whose works were enjoyed by many. Heartfelt condolences to the Gilchrist family, so very sorry for your loss. May God help you all in your time of sorrow.
Rita Royals
February 10, 2024
How wonderful it was to know Ellen. She was full of love & happiness & enjoyed this life to the fullest!
Bill Montague
February 8, 2024
I just came across your business card today. I wrote a historic Children's book called Little Mouse many years ago. So some how we must have met. I tried to send you and Email, just now. But I see you have gone on to Heaven already. Well at my age almost 91, I will soon be there. I will have to wait to say hello then. See you soon, Bill Montague formally Concord Mass now In Acton Mass.
Diane Gilchrist Jett
February 3, 2024
I will remember all of our wonderful conversations and fun we had at our beautiful cabin in Gulf Shores Alabama. My childhood memories wrapped around her spirit and light. Good bye Aunt Ellen.
Carolyn Vaighab
February 1, 2024
Hello Gilchrist Family and Friends. My name is Carolyn Vaughan and I knew Ellen from Fayetteville in the early 80's. I managed a Kinko's Copies on Dickson St. She came in the early days with galleys for her novel "The Annunciation". Ellen would come back to my office, we were in a converted ice cream shop, (copy paper in the walk in cooler) and read outloud clips for her NPR shows. It was a wonderful connection to a brillant writer I have admired ever since. I am grateful to have been enriched by her presence. Thank you
George Healy
February 1, 2024
She loved her family very much. We enjoyed many Thanksgiving meals with Ellen over the years. She accomplished a great deal in her life.
The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes
January 30, 2024
We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.
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