Anne Gilmartin

Anne M. Gilmartin (nee Boyle), age 86, of Upper Darby, PA, peacefully passed away on June 2, 2020, one day shy of her 87th birthday. Born in Philadelphia on June 3, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Boyle (nee Pierce). Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, John J. Gilmartin. She is survived by her loving children John P. Gilmartin (Marcie), Anne Canny (Tim), Thomas Gilmartin, Megan Diaz (Jack) and Noreen Gilmartin. Dear "Nan" of Timothea Canny, Colin Canny (Julianna Pierre), Declan Canny, Jonathan Gilmartin, Patrick Gilmartin, and Andreanna Gilmartin. She was the last survivor of 8 siblings: Bud, Mary, Grace, Billy, Clair, Peggy, Joe and Theresa.

Anne was a proud graduate of St. Francis De Sales Parish Grade School, where she was also later married, and West Catholic Girls High School. In her late teenage years and into her 20's, Anne was an accomplished rower with the Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club. She would proudly tell people that she rowed the first Girl's Eight when she recalled her days "on the river." A local journalist and blogger wrote a story on Anne back in December of 2016:
http://unretiring.blogspot.com/2016/12/anne-boyle-gilmartin-pioneer-of-womens.html?m=1#links

Anne started her career working at GE in Philadelphia were she worked for many years before she became a mom. While at GE, she was hand picked to be the personal ambassador to then famous actor and aspiring Governor, Ronald Reagan, who was touring GE. Years later, President Ronald Reagan would make an appearance at The Lukens Estates where Anne had opened up her own travel agency, Gilmartin Travel Inc. She ran a successful business for over 25 years, and travelled the world with her husband and children, extended family and friends. Her adventures took her all around Europe from Ireland (her favorite), Italy, Austria, France, Spain and Germany, to more exotic locales like Israel, Turkey, Morocco and Greece. Her warm personality and lively spirit made her a favorite among her fellow tourists and locals alike. She retired in 2002, but her love of travel never left her.

Although she had a love of foreign travel, Anne always enjoyed spending time locally "down the shore." She would often fondly recall her days working as a young girl in a Wildwood restaurant where "Old Pop" would yell at her for drinking the expensive orange juice. The Jersey shore would continue to be a consistent backdrop for the most memorable parts of her life. Anne met her husband, John, in Margate in the 1950's, and the two went on to spend many Summers, holidays and special occasions with their children at the beach.

Anne will always be remembered as someone who would leave people laughing by telling a great joke or relaying one of her many funny stories. Many people marveled at her ability to remember hundreds of humorous quips and quotes. She loved a good glass of wine, a hearty laugh, and a good party. She was a joy to be around, unless you were chewing gum, and then all bets were off. Anyone who knew her knew she did not suffer fools or phonies, cheap people or gum chewers. She was kind and generous, but also tough and resilient, and was known to "tell it like it is."

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass Monday, June 8, 2020 at 10:30 AM in the Lower Church at St. Laurence Catholic Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA. https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/

Anne was a dedicated member of St. Laurence Parish for over 50 years where she volunteered and was always available to lend a helping hand. Her internment to follow is at S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to one of the following:

Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club
14 Kelly Drive - Boathouse Row
Philadelphia, PA 19130

The Little Sisters of the Poor
5300 Chester Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
www.littlesistersofthepoorphiladelphia.org

St. Laurence Church
30 St. Laurence Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082