Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1970 - 2023

BORN

1970

DIED

2023

Emily Gillingham Obituary

Emily Gillingham
September 24, 1970 - August 25, 2023
Emily Gillingham, 52, of San Francisco, passed away at home, surrounded by family and loved ones. Emily will be remembered for her spontaneous spirit, keen wit, and as a person who cherished her family above all else. Her grace and kindness extended to her siblings, the communities she built with friends, coworkers, the families of The San Francisco School, and her neighbors in Bernal Heights. True to her selfless nature, Emily focused her professional life on social justice, working to create opportunities and address inequities. Rarely would Emily focus attention on herself, even as her health declined. She leaves behind a wide circle of friends and a large extended family that will forever benefit from her enduring compassion.
Emily is survived by her loving family: spouse Charlie Meade; children Edith (21), Willa (18), and Gus (12); and her parents Pacita Moreno and Arthur Gillingham. A Celebration of Life will be held in Emily's honor later this year. The family requests donations be made to De Marillac Academy (demarillac.org) in her memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Sep. 20, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Emily Gillingham

19 Entries

Terry Nagel

March 6, 2024

Emily was a thoughtful, compassionate, giving person who was a pleasure to work with. I am very sorry to hear she is no longer with us.

Judie Kevany James

November 29, 2023

I will never forget the day Emily was born. She was Madeline, Mary, Elsa, Genie and my baby also.We loved her so much

Anne

November 25, 2023

One of my most cherished childhood memories is of the time, circa 1980, when Arthur and Emily drove through St. Louis in a Volkswagen bus, and we got to spend time with her among their belongings on top, on a mattress. Our healthy, spry little bodies fit there, and I hung onto every word that our "wise" cousin uttered. The 36 hours that Arthur and Emily were present, are otherwise forgettable in the course of world events, but for me, they are an indelible part of who I became. Never again would I experience Emily in the same way. Childhood ends. Life ends. I hope to get to know her in heaven. Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, remember this.

Dennis and Rosemary Flatt

October 20, 2023

Emily was such a kind and loving friend to daughter, Allison. They loved and supported each other through a very difficult health journey. May Peace be with you in the memories your family will always cherish. Dennis and Rosemary Flatt

ANITA HUBSCHER

October 17, 2023

I know Emily's father, Art Gillingham. His birthday and mine are only three days apart. Emily resided with Charlie and Gus at her Dad's home where I met her for the first time celebrating our b-day together. She had cooked a delicious meal. In addition, she had written me a fun b-day card that I kept, and gifted me a scented body lotion that I still enjoy. I was blowned away by Emily's attention and kindness. Her quiet demeanor exuded love for Life. In my eyes, she was a angel here on Earth. Now she got double wings allowing her to fly faster to be still around her Loved ones. All my Love to Charlie, Edith, Willa, Gus, her family and Art.

ANITA HUBSCHER

October 17, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Justine

October 4, 2023

A dear one who, in the words of Mr Shaw, burned her torch brightly...
"I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no `brief candle´ to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it over to future generations."
George Bernard Shaw

Mario Paz

October 4, 2023

My deepest condolences and share in your sadness. Emily was a beautiful person and we will always carry her in our hearts. Mario Paz and Good Samaritan community.

Lezak Shallat

October 1, 2023

my deepest condolences to Charlie and family. I know Charlie because I am a care navigator in the Shanti Women's Cancer Program, and knowing that Charlie has been working at the office to benefit our work while living day-to-day the experiences of so many of our clients and their families always struck me as moving and inspirational. Much love and support to all of you.

Norma Rodriguez

September 29, 2023

Sending my heartfelt condolences to you dear Charlie, your precious children, her parents and Emily's cherished community in this difficult time of loss. May you all find comfort in the shared rich memories of her remarkable life.

Lynn Jackson

September 28, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Alan Heit

September 27, 2023

Emily was kind,patient,intelligent and beautiful. As a teenager,she was especially gentle with my kids who were a good deal younger.
And even then,she had a great sense of humor.

Vidya

September 26, 2023

Sending my love to Emily on her journey. She touched everyone with caring and kindness, the most beautiful gift one could ever give.

Mary Ortiz xo

September 26, 2023

I am sending my deepest condolences s to the family of Emily.She was such a wonderful daughter,wife and most especially a mother. May her spirit sing forever!!

Janet

September 25, 2023

My heart goes out to Emily´s family. She had a beautiful spirit and will be deeply missed.
Janet

Rose McGarry

September 25, 2023

I'm so very sorry, and I send healing love and prayers to her family.

Rose McGarry xoxo

Eddie Bozza

September 25, 2023

My Deepest condolences to all family members and friends of this beautiful kind woman and may her spirit be filled with love and happiness.

Diane DeMarco

Planted Trees

James Haley

September 22, 2023

I remember Emily having my parents and my sister and me when we visited San Francisco. She and Charlie were very welcoming and had such positive energy then and at every family function she was at. She was always very nice to me. I´m so sorry. Her memory will certainly live on.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results