Obituary of Mary S. Gilbert

~Palm Bay, Florida~ Mary Staley Gilbert, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Holmes Regional Medical Center. She was born in Albany, New York, to Ellis J. and Elizabeth Staley. Mary was raised in Albany with her two brothers and two sisters. She married Walter E. Gilbert in 1944. Mary and Walter and their family moved to Florida in 1966. Mary attended Connecticut College for Women in New London, CT. She flourished in a career in banking. In 1984, Mary retired from Citizens Federal Savings Bank where she was assistant manager. In retirement, Mary and Walter enjoyed summers in the Thousand Islands in Upstate New York. In retirement, she found her calling in volunteer service. Her volunteer efforts ranged from serving on the Altar Guild and working at the Thrift Shop at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church to working at the Gift Shop at Holmes Regional Medical Center, and to teaching reading to inmates at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility in Upstate New York. Her greatest accomplishment was as a mother to her children and grandchildren. Mary found joy in their lives and pride in their accomplishments. She was their biggest cheerleader and leaves a legacy of love to her family. Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 70 years, Walter, and her son Walter E., Jr. She is survived by a daughter, Ruth McCully (Thomas) of Great Falls, Virginia; two sons, Charles (Nancy) of Coral Springs, Florida; Clifford (Dana) of Tequesta, Florida; a daughter-in-law, Christina Gilbert of Palm Bay, Florida, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one great great grandchild as well as nieces and nephews. Mary’s Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 50 West Strawbridge Ave, Melbourne, Florida. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1830 South Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901.