Donna Merle (Wiedenkofer) Gilmour

September 6, 1937 - November 29, 2017

Donna “Grammy” Gilmour passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 29, 2017, in South San Francisco, CA. She was born in 1937 to proud parents Harrison and Sabra (Brock) Wiedenkofer. She grew up next to the Cow Palace with her sisters, Lola and Gloria, in what was then called Bayshore City. She attended Bayshore Elementary and then on to Jefferson High School where she graduated in 1955. She started out on her own shortly thereafter, working downtown in The City, sharing a flat with Lola and girlfriends. She was an energetic gal, always up for dancing, laughing, and being with friends. It is there that she met Richard Gilmour, fell in love and got married. They settled down and started a family, with Pamela Jean arriving in 1957, Valarie Ann in 1958, and Jon Howard II in 1966. She eventually settled in Noe Valley as a super single Mom. She was industrious and extremely creative, making all kinds of clothes for the girls, as well as for others. Later she would continue her artistry by making beautiful jewelry for gifts, and also for sale. In 1974, she started what would become an amazing 30-year career with the U.S. Government, first at the Mint, then the District Court, and eventually the Court of Appeals, where she celebrated her retirement in 2004. It was at the Courts that she met her lifelong best friend, Patricia Harris. Shortly after starting her career she moved the family to Concord seeking a better life, but as soon as the nest was empty, she returned to The City and Noe Valley, eventually settling in South City. After retirement, she enjoyed her rest, and most importantly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being Grammy to all (even some that were not hers!). Whether enjoying their visits, seeing their games and performances, or spoiling them, being a grandmother was her greatest delight. She loved them deeply, and they loved her. She will be missed dearly by all. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lola Graves, and daughter Valarie Stith. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Garbarino, her son Jon Gilmour (Christine), grandchildren Tiffany Stith (Carlos Zarate), Ashley Garbarino, Jackson, Lucas, and Roman Gilmour, and great-grandchildren Arianna and Nikko Zarate. Friends & family may visit at 11:00am on Sunday January 7, 2018 with the Memorial Service to follow at 12:00pm at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City.