Published in the October 21, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Elizabeth F. (Curry) “Libby” Gile, 101, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at Bear Hill Nursing Center in Stoneham.
Libby was born in Melrose on Sept. 27, 1915 and was one of four children of the late Albert F. and Alice (Southworth) Curry. Raised in Melrose, she graduated from Melrose High School and enjoyed summers in Mattapoisett with her family. It was love at first sight when she met Wilfred Demers on the beach in Wells Beach in Maine. A native of Canada, Wilfred served in the Canadian Army and his life was cut short while serving aboard a submarine stationed in the Pacific during World War II. Devastated but wanting to keep his memory alive, Libby volunteered for the Canadian Army as a Nurse Cadet. After several years, she returned to her home and her family roots in Melrose.
Libby was a remarkable woman. She was warm, friendly and sociable with an incredible devotion in her faith and a special love for all children. She was a longtime active member of the Reading Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday School for nearly 30 years. Libby later found another home in the Melrose Church of the Nazarene, where she was particularly active in the last 20 plus years. While serving her faith and her church in many capacities, she also led the church mission group and in particular was a passionate supporter of children in the Sun Valley Indian School. Through her faith, Libby made deep connections and lasting friendships with many at the Melrose Church of the Nazarene. To her church family, she was known as “The General” and would often direct her “Army” with a kind but iron fist.
Libby was also well known for her gift of letter writing. She wrote letters of encouragement to anyone she thought needed a positive message. She considered it her ministry to reach out, express her love and make a small impact in someone’s life. Over the years, Libby wrote hundreds of letters to friends and family all in an effort to express her care and concern. As Libby was often heard saying, “give them my love and spread it around.”
In her free time, Libby loved watching golf and in particular rooted for Phil Mickelson. Most of all, Libby was devoted to her church, her faith and, as she said, “celebrated everything in the name of Jesus.” She will be lovingly remembered and her memory will live on in the lives of those she touched.
Libby was the beloved wife of the late Robert T. Gile and the late H. Wilfred Demers. She was the loving sister of Margaret Sibley of Kittery Point, Maine; and the late Robert Curry and John S. Curry. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and longtime friends.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Libby’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 9-10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of her Life at the Church of the Nazarene, 2 Short St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
