Nancy Babb Gilmore
Obituary
With heartfelt grief, our Mom Nancy Babb Gilmore transitioned to the other side on
January 18th. Nancy lived with Alzheimer’s for the last six years that we know of. She
loved people, sports, reading, theater and movies. Warren, Rick and I moved to
Eugene to take care of her in 2020. We did our best to keep her involved in activities.
We took her to football, baseball and basketball games. She loved animals, developing
a deep love for our dog Eno. Nancy’s only grandson Scott, who she never forgot, lives
in Irvine and we always insured they had contact. At many of our parties, Nancy would
get up and want to lead the band. It was a privilege to walk Nancy home.
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Nancy Babb Gilmore, who left us
peacefully on January 18, 2025, at 89. Nancy was born in Eugene, Oregon, and spent
her early years here. She also resided in the San Francisco Bay Area and Bend,
Oregon. Nancy enriched the lives of those around her with her kindness and grace.
Nancy was born on October 7, 1935, to Avon Dale Babb and Frances Elaine Breshears
Babb, who, at their farm along the Willamette River, instilled a sense of compassion and
a love for learning. She graduated from Eugene High School in 1953 and developed a
life-long passion for reading. Nancy’s grandfather Andrew Jackson Babb settled in
Eugene in 1851.
In 1955, Nancy married Lewis Gilmore, and together in Pleasant Hill, CA, they built a
family filled with love and respect. Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, and
grandmother. She was the proud mother of Kathryn Soler Beer and Rick Gilmore, both
now residing in Eugene, and grandmother to Scott Gilmore, who lives in Irvine, CA.
Nancy was known for her unwavering commitment to her community. She owned and
operated a Seven-Eleven store in Bend, Oregon, where she became a beloved figure.
Nancy also cared for her aging mother, Frances Babb, living in Eugene, demonstrating
her deep sense of family duty and compassion. Nancy remained here until her passing
as a proud supporter of the Oregon Ducks women's basketball and Eugene Emeralds
baseball teams. She also travelled to several European countries and Hong Kong.
Nancy Babb Gilmore is survived by her family members, Kathryn Soler Beer, Rick
Gilmore, son in-law Warren Beer, and her grandchild Scott Gilmore, as well as an
extended family -- including her older sister Frances Babb Latone and younger brother
Avon Lee Babb -- who will miss her dearly. Her parents, brother Alan Babb, and sisters
Becky Mitchell and Donna Brown preceded her in death.
Nancy’s lifetime was a testament to the power of love, and her memory will forever
remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. Her gentle spirit and
generous heart inspired everyone she met. A private event will be held to celebrate
Nancy, where family and friends will gather to honor her remarkable journey and the
lasting impact she had on all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Eugene Public Library
Foundation to create a Memorial Bookshelf in Nancy's name. These contributions will
support the Foundation's efforts to inspire lifelong learning and enrich the entire
community. When making your contribution please indicate ‘In Memory of Nancy Babb
Gilmore.’ Contributions can be made online at the Eugene Public Library Foundation’s
website or by check to:
Eugene Public Library Foundation
100 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 317
Eugene, OR 97401
For any inquiries, you can reach them at info@eplfoundation.org or call (541) 338-7018.
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