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BORN
1943
DIED
2014
Sheila Gilligan Obituary
Sheila Gilligan of Palm Desert, California, left her family and friends on Sept. 15, 2014. Sheila was born on Aug. 22, 1943, in Jamestown, New York, to Fred and Lamar Hickman. Her life was dedicated to her family, her friends, her church and her community. She moved to California to accept a position with the California Angels and was also employed by Eisenhower Medical Center prior to joining the staff at the city of Palm Desert. For the over 34 years she was employed by the city, she served its residents, staff and visitors with dedication and humor, always achieving her goal of making her beloved community a jewel in the crown of the Coachella Valley. In addition to serving as city clerk for 25 years, she was responsible for developing the city's renown Art in Public Places program, expanding its visitor center and administering many special programs and projects. Through the years, she mentored and befriended employees, colleagues and anyone with whom she came in contact. She retired as assistant city manager in 2009. Sheila also committed her time, talents and finances to numerous charitable organizations. She and Dr. Sebastian George founded the Desert Cancer Foundation, where she served as president for many years. In addition, Sheila was a lifetime member of Palm Desert Soroptimist Club and a former member of Palms to Pines Rotary Club. She was also active in East Valley Republican Women Federated, the World Affairs Council. Sheila was the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the Athena Award and Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence. She is survived by her husband Jerry of Palm Desert; brother John Hickman; sisters Sandra Russell, Johanna Gaeta and Piper Antonuccio, all of Buffalo, New York; daughter Tera Farrah of South Lake Tahoe, Nevada; son Todd Gilligan of Fountain Valley, California; five grandchildren; and friends too numerous to count. A celebration of life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church located at 47321 Highway 74, Palm Desert.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Gilligan
Amy Ammons
September 13, 2022
All these years later, I remember Sheila fondly.
Amy Ammons
October 27, 2014
Sheila's passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of many. She was a true lady, with intelligence, grace and kindness. Her giving spirit touched many people. May the Gilligan family receive comfort from the pride and love of having had Sheila as their beloved.
October 17, 2014
Jerry, We were so sorry to read of Sheila's passing. May you have many happy memories to fill the void she has left in your heart.
Derrick and Marsha Kleiman
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October 3, 2014
A wonderful person she will be missed not only by her Church, here involment in the community, but by the many friends she had made through out her time here in the Coachella Valley. Renate Burns-Knoblauch, Soroptimist Int'l of PD.
September 26, 2014
My condolences to the Gilligan family.
John & Sherry Pena
September 24, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila's family. We have many fond memories working with Sheila both on professional and personal matters. Her sage advice and community spirit will be missed.
Michele Gerber
September 23, 2014
I will miss you. You are a very special friend to me. You will always be in my heart.
SHARON JACOBS
September 23, 2014
I WILL MISS YOU. YOUR BEAUTY AND YOUR WONDERFUL PERSONALITY
September 23, 2014
Oh Our beautiful Sheila!! I will miss seeing you at Salon 119 with Michele. You were such a join, and inspiration each day. All my Love. Lori Hirshfield McGlynn You will be missed xo
Paula Drumheller
September 23, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Robert & Carol Bishop
September 20, 2014
Sheila was one of the smartest and most savvy people I've ever known. She was so willing to take the "underdog" and give them a chance. So many employees at the City are where they are because of Sheila. I have always said there are only 2 people on the planet who have advice I'll listen to, my amazing wife and Sheila. She gave heart and soul to the City and will always be remembered as a "Pillar" of the City Of Palm Desert. What an amazing person! See you "up there" Sheila when we get there.
September 20, 2014
We will miss your smile and laughter. Thanks for the memories. Our sympathy to the family. Bev & Gene Starcher
Saunta Briggs
September 20, 2014
RIP Sheila... watch over Todd and Chelsea from heaven.
Scott Kiner
September 19, 2014
A very caring lady who loved the City of Palm Desert and played a major role in creating the world-class community that we enjoy today. She will be missed but always remembered!
September 19, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers to Jerry and Sheila's family. She is with her beloved Saviour Jesus Christ. Jack and Bonnie Bowie
Eric and Bonnie Vogt
September 19, 2014
Sheila was the first person to welcome me to Palm Desert City as a newly promoted battalion chief/fire marshal to the city in January 1980. Sheila was a funny, delightful and caring person all the time I worked with her and represented Palm Desert City extremely well. We also were in Palm Desert Rotary Club together for a long while. She always greeted me with a warm hug and friendly Sheila smile. We will all miss her very much. Rest in Peace with our prayers.
Wilma Michelson
September 19, 2014
My prayers for the family. Sheila will never be forgotten as my supportive boss and friend.
Jack Sloan
September 19, 2014
To The Gilligan Family,
Our Deepest Condolences To You At This Most Difficult Time. My God Comfort You
And Bless You All.
FitzHenry-Wiefels Cremation and Burial Service-Indio and Palm Desert
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