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Celebrating the life of Lucille Docter Gilbertson
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Obituary for Lucille Docter Gilbertson
Lucille Docter Gilbertson was lovingly known to all in her later years as “Grandma Lou.” Lou was born in Green Bay, WI as the second of six children of John Charles (“J.C”) Docter and Edith Docter.
Lou graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1944 and was one of the first female graduates in the accounting program in the School of Business. She married the love of her life, Stanley Gilbertson, in 1944 and they shared an amazing life together until his death in 1994.
Lou devoted much of her life to raising their five children, primarily in Madison, WI and Birmingham, MI. Lou’s family and friends will cherish 97 years of history, stories, and wonderful memories. She will be dearly missed by her children: Tom (Cindy) Gilbertson, Joan (Len) Epand, Janet (Tom) Becklund, Julie (Patrick) O’Donovan, and Jack (Rene) Gilbertson. She will be fondly remembered by her 17 grandchildren (six spouses), 12 great-grandchildren, sister, brother, sisters-in-law, friends, and many nieces and nephews.
At the core of her personality was her strong commitment to integrity and values. She was nurturing and always there when her family and friends needed her. Her support and commitment to Stan’s career was instrumental to his success. Lou displayed an unselfish love toward her family and taught each child and grandchild the importance of an education, and the value of hard work.
One of her greatest gifts was the ability to get to know people. She never met a stranger, and she made you feel as though you were the most special person on earth. She had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. Lou was also a lifelong and highly skilled bridge player. She enthusiastically pursued various hobbies and interests throughout her life, including gardening (raspberries), sewing, knitting, investing, writing, reading, politics, music (guitar), golf, entertaining (dinner parties), and baking (especially her specialty breakfasts, bread and desserts including carrot cake.)
Invincible for her first 96 years, Lou’s health experienced a notable and rapid decline in early 2019. On April 9, 2020 Grandma Lou passed away peacefully while under hospice care.
Rest in Heaven, Grandma Lou. We are so grateful for all of the joy, laughs, love and lessons you spread throughout your 97 years. This is not a time for sadness, but a time of celebration for a wonderful and prosperous life. A Mass and celebration of her amazing life will be held when travel is safe.
