Cover photo for Nancy Gilmore's Obituary
Nancy Gilmore Profile Photo

Nancy Gilmore

October 7, 1935 — January 18, 2025

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.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy Gilmore, please visit our flower store.

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