Sandra Dagny Gilman

Sandra “Sandy” Gilman spent her life in the Rogue Valley, where she raised her family and stayed closely involved in the schools, programs, and public life of her community. The daughter of Ruth and James Sawyers, she grew up in the Upper Rogue and graduated from Southern Oregon College in Ashland, Oregon. She married George Leland Gilman, and they spent fifty seven years building a life together.

Sandy volunteered in many places over the years. She served as President of the Howard School PTA and worked with the Girl Scouts, the Medford Swim Team, Cub Scouts, and as a Medford High School Band monitor. She was President of the Rogue Valley Dairy Wives. She later worked as Office Manager for the Britt Music Festival. She served as a Case Worker and Legislative Aide for Congressman Bob Smith. She owned and operated Indian Creek Mini Storage. She also served as Chief of Staff for Oregon State Representative George Gilman. In later years she volunteered with the Jackson County Courthouse, the SMART Reader program, and Providence Hospital.

Sandy had a dry sense of humor and often joked that she wanted the song “Is That All There Is?” played at her funeral. The line suited her timing and the way she liked to look at life with a sideways smile.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Leland Gilman. Sandy enjoyed traveling with George and her children, especially on cruises. She delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed sharing stories of them with her friends.

She spent her final three years at Veranda Park, where she formed new friendships and was surrounded by a kind community.

Sandy is survived by her daughter Teresa and her son Chris. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sara (and her husband Hunter) and Thomas (and his partner LaTonya). Her great grandchildren are Jocelyn and Dorian. Her sweet kitty Squeak lay on her bed almost constantly, standing sentinel at her side, in her final days.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Lakeway Veterinary Hospital 2540 Crater Lake Hwy, Medford OR 97504. (541) 779- 7731.