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Lois Gilliam Obituary
September 12th, 1934 – October 2nd, 2020
Lois, a Bay Area native, graduated from George Washington High School, class of 1952. As a young girl, Lois worked at Golden Brown Bakery. Later she worked as a secretary for Standard Oil. After she married and had children, she went back to work at Candlestick Park—enjoying many Giants and 49er games. In 1989, she started work as a secretary at Sacred Heart Cathedral College Preparatory and spent 25+ years vigilantly monitoring the comings and goings of the office… and scaring/charming the socks off generations of high school students and visitors. Lois loved shopping for herself and her family. She was a video poker pro and could outlast anyone, skipping meals and breaks to keep a streak. She loved the weekly gossip magazines (aka "her bibles"), was a fantastic and sassy storyteller, loved the Warriors, was a connoisseur of kaftans (aka mumus), and could make cupcakes, banana bread, and a ham with a top chef. Lois loved talking on the phone and relished relaying information–whether it was small details of our family life or being a master sleuth and giving details of neighborhood goings on. She loved a vanilla cupcake with white frosting, cinnamon bears, a good burger and a hot fudge sundae… and much to the grandkids' contentment, she always had candy hidden in drawers and pockets to find.
Lois was an adoring, feisty, hysterical and loving woman who delighted in living an independent life in her warm and welcoming home, talking with friends from all parts of her life, spending time with her family, and ANYTHING involving her grandkids.
Loving mom of Rhonda (Bill) Hontalas, Fred (Debbie) Gilliam, Donna Gilliam (Rod Corbett), and Hunter (Michelle) Gilliam. Proud and devoted "#1 Gram" to Jacquelyn Hontalas and Jessica (Jeffery) Cotton, Daniel and Mackenzie Gilliam, Richard Gilliam (deceased 2011) and Jon Lucas Gilliam-Corbett, and Alexa and Zachary Gilliam. Fond great gram/GiGi to Dante Gilliam, and Trey and Jaxson Cotton. Devoted aunt to Sue (Jim) Sweet. Loyal friend to many. Pre-deceased by her loving parents: Charles and Sandy Hunt, and her siblings Phyllis and Jim.
A Celebration of Life is planned for October 2nd, 2021, please save the date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Francisco/Marin Food Bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lois Gilliam
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Siobhan McAuliffe
October 10, 2020
My condolences and prayers to the entire Gilliam Family. May your Mom rest in eternal peace. God Bless You. Siobhan
Marcia and Emil Moy
October 5, 2020
Lois was a wonderful person, full of life, laughter, energy, and good will. At Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, she was a welcoming person and made the beginning of a teacher's day a pleasure. We will truly miss this caring Christian. Rest in peace and smile on those you left behind. Marcia and Emil Moy
Alana Montano (Osipa)
October 5, 2020
Over the past 6 months, my daughters and I had the privilege of spending time with and getting to know Lois. Despite not being part of the family, she made us feel like we were. Lois was always there to snuggle on my girls, provide guidance or words of wisdom, and humor us with stories of the antics she got up to when she was younger. I feel honored to have known her and to be witness to her spunky energy, positive outlook, booming laugh, and the joy and pride that sparkled in her eyes whenever she talked about her family.
Lois was a remarkable woman and will be greatly missed. May she Rest In Peace.
Kevin Buckley
October 5, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family & friends of Lois, she was a funny and warm person. I always enjoyed chatting with her during my student years at SHC. May she Rest In Peace.
Mike & Debbie Carey
October 4, 2020
Bill,Rhonda,Jackie & Jessica,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Lois. We both have great memories of our conversations with her over the years at SHC. She always made us laugh. Loved her family too. May her smile and laughter bring happiness and good memories help you during this time. we hope to attend the celebration of life next October
Mike & Debbie Carey and family
Eileen Magliano
October 4, 2020
My deepest condolences and prayers to your family, Donna. I will always remember your Mom’s smile and warmth. God bless you.
Linda De Courcey
October 4, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
Myra Borgen
October 4, 2020
My prayers and condolences to you and your family through this hard time.
Myra Borgen
October 4, 2020
My prayers and condolences to you and your family during this hard time. God bless.
Jim and Samy
October 3, 2020
Lois was a wonderful neighbor, friendly and welcoming. We will miss her very much!
Siobhan
October 3, 2020
My condolences and prayers to the Family. Donna please accept my prayers. May God Bless You always-
Linda Hurlbutt
October 3, 2020
Sounds like she had a great life and family! Love to all! May her spirit soar!
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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