Anita Adrienne Gilford

Anita Adrienne Gilford, 98, loving mother of Pamela Joy Gilford (Dr. Robert) Levin and Michael Jay; beloved Nana to Nickolai (Dulce Baptista) and Douglas (Jane Lee) Levin, Jaimee (Joe Michaelis) and Colin (Elena Messerli) Gilford; adored GG to Alex, Dora, Indigo, Jules, and Kaia; and cherished sister to Lois Scheyer, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, in Glencoe, Illinois. Anita was a gifted artist, steadfast friend, and fierce protector of her family. She was generous in love and spirit and was living proof that the best things come in small packages. Together with her husband Richard, who predeceased her in 2015 after nearly 70 years of marriage, she contributed financially to her community, sharing the fruits of hard work and good fortune by creating scholarships, donating to charity, and supporting art in both the Chicago-area and their second home in Carefree, Arizona. Anita had a particular admiration for southwest Native American and African art. She did the New York Times crossword in pen and was lethal on the Scrabble board. It took several advanced degrees in law and business for her grandchildren to finally win a game. She believed wholeheartedly in the value of education and a summer spent away at camp. Her friendships spanned lifetimes; she was as loyal as she was stylish. She was loved, deeply and forever, and she will be missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Chicago Botanic Garden, www.chicagobotanic.org. Memorial service on Thursday, July 25, 2024, 1 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Inurnment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, and to leave condolences, visit www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.