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Anne Gilbert Obituary
PEORIA - Anne Keller Gilbert, 87, formerly of Peoria, Ill., died at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, at the home of her daughter, Virginia (& Dr. Robert) Pfeffer in New York City, where she most recently made her home since 2009. Her son, John, was also at her side.
Prior to her coming to New York, Anne made her home with her daughter, Frances (& Ted) Ursu for two treasured years.
Born July 11, 1923, in Mount Sterling, Ky., to John Humphrey and Virginia Murphy Keller, she married John W. Gilbert on Dec. 26, 1942, in Mount Sterling, Ky. He preceded her in death on July 19, 2001, in Peoria.
Anne was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Agnes McKee Gilbert; and her sister and lifelong friend, Frances McDonald.
She was affectionately known to her friends as "Saint Anne."
Surviving are five children, Virginia (Dr. Robert) Pfeffer of New York City, Frances (Ted) Ursu of Cleveland, Ohio, John (Marisa) Gilbert of Omaha, Neb., Rob (Diane) Gilbert of East Amwell, N.J., and Dr. George (Beth) Gilbert of Peoria. She is also survived by 19 cherished grandchildren.
Anne attended St. Mary's College before leaving to marry John, who was a naval officer during World War II. After the war they moved to Peoria, where John was beginning a job at Caterpillar.
Anne reviewed books for the Catholic Post.
A longtime member of St. Mark's Church, Anne volunteered as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and countless other activities (including the stunt show). John and Anne later became active members of St. Thomas Church in Peoria Heights, where their activities included vacation Bible school and Eucharistic ministry to the homebound.
During her years in Peoria, Anne volunteered for the George Washington Carver Community Center, the Tri-County Urban League, Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities) and other community organizations.
An antique enthusiast, Anne was previously employed by the Attic in Peoria.
In addition to giving generously of her time, talent and treasure, Anne shared her great sense of humor with her family, friends and acquaintances. While Anne remained committed to helping others not to take themselves too seriously, she saw gifts in all of us and hoped everyone would grow to be his/her best self.
We can't thank you enough, Anne (Mom), for what you continue to give us. Thank you especially for being your true self!
A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at St. Thomas Church in Peoria Heights. The Rev. Thomas Taylor and the Rev. John Dietzen will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at St. Thomas Church with a recitation of the rosary at 7:45 p.m. Further visitation will be 30 minutes before the services at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria.
Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Parish Food Pantry or to Haitian Hearts.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www. wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anne Gilbert
Linda Gilbert-Loughrin
January 12, 2011
My family all grieve over Anne's passing. She always managed to console and give everyone else the advice to improve their immediate problems. My mother sought her wisdom constantly after my father's death. She was a pillar of strength for all of her Gilbert relatives and her ability to to weather any storm with such calm dignity will remanin my ideal. She exemplfied all that is possible through actively helping others and leading a selfless life.
Tess Gilbert
January 12, 2011
Someone once asked me,who is the most good person that you know?... and I said that is an easy answer, because it is my Aunt Ann ,without a doubt.It is no wonder she had the nickname St.Ann because she made the state of being good look effortless, graceful and charmingly fun. We love you Aunt Ann and you will always light our hearts up when we think of you.
Tess Gilbert
January 12, 2011
Who is the most good person that I could ever know?... and I said that is an easy answer, because it is my Aunt Ann without a doubt.It is no wonder she had the nickname St.Ann because she made the state of being good look effortless, graceful and charmingly fun. We love you Aunt Ann and you will always light our hearts up when we think of your shining spirit and soul.God Blessed Us with knowing a good and wonderful person such as my Aunt Ann.
Rob Sepich
January 12, 2011
Whenever I visited Rob in high school and during college breaks, Anne made me feel really special. Her interest in my life, sense of humor, and optimism all helped me feel welcome and accepted. I have nothing but fond memories of her.
January 8, 2011
Dear Gilbert Family,
I am so sorry not to be with you all today. You have been in my thoughts and prayers these last days.
When I think of Anne her smile immediately comes into my mind and her phrase,"don't take yourself too seriously". She was a fine, gentle woman and a dear friend. How glad I am that we did our short retreat together in Princeville.
She goes before us and will be greated by many she loved. We will meet again and that will sustain us !
Your family is a fine representation of Anne's christianity and love. You are blessed!
Our prayers go with you all !
Sue and Denny
January 7, 2011
Ginia, John, Fran, George and Robert,
So sorry I can't be there with you all this weekend. Your mother was my favorite aunt (I had 6!). As a child I loved her kindness and warmth. As an adult, I also appreciated her sense of humor and clear-sighted, honest and loving perpsective on all those who were important in her life. She had a that gift of making those in her presence feel important. I'm so sorry to not be there grieve her loss, honor her and hear the stories.
Love, Aileen Wiglesworth, Long Beach, California
Yolanda Wallace
January 7, 2011
I had the opportunity to assist Ann a few years ago and i love the family and Ann is an amazing woman! May God bless you all. The Gilbert's have been a blessing to me and pray that the peace of the almight be with them. Ann will truly be missed.
Yolanda Wallace
January 6, 2011
our thoughts and prayers float next to you in this your tender time lahoods
Ellen & John French
January 6, 2011
Dear Ginny, Katie, Joey, Pat and John,
Your mom and grandmother was a great lady -- We remember her fondly from the days when she & Pop would visit in Mission Viejo. I know you all have many wonderful memories. Big hug to all of you.
anne wagenbach
January 5, 2011
Dr. George and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will treasure the time I stayed overnight with your parents. We had delightful conversations, which I remember with fondness.
Your mother was a dear lady.
Dan, Ellen, Caroline and Emily Ursu
January 5, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Our family enjoyed visiting your mom at Fran and Ted's house. We all shared many good times together and will cherish those memories.
Bill Wiglesworth
January 5, 2011
Dear Gilbert Cousins, What a fine woman your Mom was! As you probably know, she was my godmother (and your Dad was my godfather)! She was always so warm and generous and happy. I loved the visits your family made back to Lawrenceburg during the hot Kentucky summers. She was the gentle,caring, angel-like presence that watched responsibly over our action-filled reunions, more than counterbalancing your Dad's raucous, vacation-mode playfulness. Aunt Anne was always the reliable, rock solid, seat of smiling comfort, of happy acceptance. What a great lady. God bless her. May she rest in peace. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bill Wiglesworth
Buln Buln, Victoria, Australia
Mary C. Ray
January 4, 2011
Dear Gilbert's, Anne a kind, generous, loving southern lady. Ready to listen and love when ever requested. So sorry to hear of her passing. Wishing you all peace in this time of grieving. Mary C. Ray
Mary Ray
January 4, 2011
Dear Gilbert's near and far, My sincere condolences to you all. Anne-- always kind & supportive with an ear to listen & a heart to love. May you all find peace in this time of grief. Mary C. Ray
Bob & Brenda Antonacci
January 4, 2011
George & Beth & Family, So sorry to hear of Anne's passing. She led a full and long life. Our prayers are with you as you grieve her death.
~The Antonaccis
Valerie Hertz-Kusz
January 4, 2011
A wonderful friend and neighbor in "Edgewild" Peoria. Honored to have known Anne, a real sweetheart! My deepest
sympathy, and may your memories sustain you through this
difficult period...God Bless.
Boca Val ~ (formerly, T.A.Kerrn~Peoria)
Martha(Pillman) Koll
January 4, 2011
Dr.(George) & Mrs. Gilbert & family(ChMegan),
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I believe your Mom lead a wonderful Christian life because is shows in you(Dr.) and your family(ChMegan) for sure. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
God bless,
Bob & Martha Koll
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