Elizabeth “Bette” Mary Gilbert, long-time Sonoma resident and angel was taken peacefully to our Lord, gaining her wings on Feb. 4. Her devoted son and caregiver, Jeff Gilbert, was by her side. Bette was born April 6, 1923, in San Francisco and was the youngest of four siblings (three brothers) born to Frank and Mary O’Rourke. Growing up in the Bay View District of San Francisco, as a child she enjoyed boating, swimming and dancing. At age 12, she joined the famous Franchon & Marco Dance Troupe for Children. Her dance teacher was Gracie Allen’s sister, who encouraged her to go on with her talents – and at age 80 she could still proudly do a mean “buck & wing.”
When World War II began, she worked as a riveter for Hammond Aircraft in 1942, where she met her future husband, the love of her life, U.S. Marine Frank Gilbert, who had just returned from the Guadalcanal Campaign in the Pacific with a well-earned Purple Heart. They were married in Sharps Park in 1943, and were soon proud parents of three sons. Bette and Frank enjoyed family life blissfully together until his passing in 1991. They loved films, music, weekends in Sonoma, and yearly family get-togethers in Yosemite, where the entire extended family would take over half of Camp 13. Bette was employed as Food Services Supervisor for the San Francisco Unified School District for many years. Upon Frank’s retirement from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department in 1976, they moved to Sonoma, their weekend retreat paradise, where they enjoyed their retirement. Bette loved her cats, chickens and her wonderful garden. Her long-time passion for antiques made her a garage sale junkie.
Bette is survived by her brother, Francis O’Rourke (age 94), her loving sons, William, Robert and Jeff Gilbert, her five loving grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, a newly arrived great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. This wonderful, caring and sweet angel, with the million-dollar smile, will be deeply missed by family and friends as she continues on her journey.
Friends are invited to attend a rosary/vigil on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m., at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St. A Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 601 W. Agua Caliente Road, on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice by the Bay, 190 W. Napa St., are requested. Many thanks to all the wonderful staff at Kaiser Hospital, San Rafael, and the caring Hospice organization.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Ralph Allen Lynch, 81, passed away Feb. 4, 2009 in Santa Rosa. Beloved husband for 60 years of Joyce Lynch (nee Payne) of Santa Rosa. Loving father of eight: Cathy Kelber (Phil), Judy Lynch, Mark Lynch (Joan), Greg Lynch, Chris Lynch (Mary), Tricia Horan (Jimmy), Paul Lynch (Karen) and Matt Lynch (Julie). “Awesome” Papa of Jason and Angela Minjarez, Liz Kelber, Alison and Brett Lynch, Joseph, Ian and Issac Lynch, Jack and Samantha Horan, Kevin and Connor Lynch. Dear brother of Doris Krohn and the late Robert Lynch, Warren Lynch and Vivian Hastings. A graduate of St. Ignatius High School, class of 1945, San Francisco; served in the Merchant Marines; electrician and 35-year member of IBEW Local #6 of San Francisco; a member of SIRS Branch #92 and 20-year resident of Oakmont, and native of San Francisco.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at Star of the Valley Church, 545 White Oak Dr., Santa Rosa (Oakmont). Private inurnment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Santa Rosa. Donations are preferred to St. Anthony Foundation, 150 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, 94102, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
