Grace Edde

Grace Mcgill Edde

Affectionately known as "Mickey" or "Gay," died December 19, 2013, at the age of 100.  She was born at home in the Potrero Hill District of San Francisco on August 23, 1913, the 2nd of 8 children of Hugh and Brigid McGill from Donegal County, Ireland.  When her mother died too young, she helped raise the younger children.  She graduated from St. Charles High School.  Growing up in the depths of the depression, she worked many jobs to help keep the family afloat.  In 1946, she married Lowell "Hap" Edde from Utah.  They were the devoted parents of Steven Edde and Leta Edde.  They settled in the Northbridge Community in San Rafael and Hap ran a Chevron "service" station in San Rafael.  She suffered Hap's untimely death in 1984 but kept going with the help of family, friends, and neighbors. She enjoyed travelling with the Elder Hostel. She last visited Ireland at the age of 92 to introduce her extended family to their Irish cousins.  Her heart was broken anew in 2008 when her beloved son Steven died.  Still, she did not let grief defeat her.  She stayed on the sunny side of life:  She continued to swim in the community pool, played bridge with her club, and enjoyed her neighbors, friends and family.  She lived independently with the assistance of her daughter Leta, daughter-in-law Kathy, and grandchildren Holly and Michael.  Gay was the leader of the large McGill Family in San Francisco.  With organization and firm guidance, the extended family met twice a year to celebrate Thanksgiving and Father's Day.  She will be sorely missed by her surviving brother Jack McGill and the entire McGill family.  Mickey turned 100 on August 23, 2013 and threw a party at the Northbridge community pool which she described as her "Shangri-La."   She received a birthday card from President and Mrs. Obama and the keys to the City of San Francisco.  She loved everyone and everyone loved her.  She was truly an "Amazing Grace."