Ann Marie Gilbert, 88, of Enola, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Legend at Silver Creek in Mechanicsburg, PA., where she spent her final 12 months (to the day) of life. During that time, she made many meaningful friendships – both with residents and staff – and spread lots of love and kindness.
Born on February 14, 1937, in Couchtown, PA., she was the widow of Gerald W. Gilbert Jr., whom she was married to for 67 years before his death in March 2022. She and Gerald met square dancing in Perry County and had a marriage filled with love, laughter and family.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Sowers and Marie (Smith) Sowers; sister, Evelyn Harris and husband John; nieces, Yvonne Raffensberger and Barbara Schultz; and granddaughter, Jaime Gilbert.
She is survived by her sons, Jerry(Deb), Tim(Sue) and Keith(Cheryl); six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, with number eight arriving in November.
Ann dedicated her life to her family and community. In her early years, she served as den mother for her son’s Boy Scouts troops and was heavily involved in their school and sporting activities (baseball, football and basketball). She also loved sewing, making quilts and other items for the less fortunate; volunteered for years at local nursing homes; and served as a “Willing Worker” for decades through her church, where she made food for parishioners’ funerals, hosted pancake breakfast fundraisers and facilitated other difference-making activities.
She also enjoyed camping with her “Dilly LooBird” camping group, which traveled all over the country; preparing hundreds of bags of homemade corn each summer; and lovingly doting on her grandchildren. She enthusiastically attended all their sporting and school activities, cooked her “Enola famous” BBQ anytime they asked, and made her homemade banana or vanilla ice cream for all family occasions.
The best mother, grandmother, friend and relative, Ann had her spunk and sense of humor until her last breath. A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6839 Wertzville Road, Enola, PA., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. The family invites all in attendance to join them afterwards for a luncheon in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gilbert family.
www.sullivanfuneralservices.com
7 comments on “Ann M. Gilbert”
Ann (and Gerald) was more than family. She was the kind of person who we should all strive to be. Her laughter and love for God, her family and life were always there. I will miss her so very much. It’s hard on top of my other losses but I am thrilled she will get to be with Gerald once more.
A wonderful friend and neighbor. What a blessing to have known Ann, Gerald, and their family.
My sincere condolences to the Gilbert “kids”, grandchildren and “greats”. Ann was a beautiful person who has left a legacy of love to all who knew her. She exemplified her strong faith in her actions.
Ann was always willing to share a hug and a kind word with me during my youth at St Paul’s.
A woman of greatness in all aspects of life that will be sorely missed but never forgotten by those that loved her, especially the Lord. My felt heart condolences to the Gilbert family and her cherished friends.
Always a mother to me. Her hugs filled my heart with joy.
Love you more, more, more Nanners. Knew you longer. Xoxo