Essie I. (Sis) Gilmore, 95, a lifelong resident of Fairfield, PA, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the Pappus House in Thomasville, PA.
She was born on August 16, 1930, in Fairfield, PA, to the late Guy W. and Florence C. (Martin) Seiferd.
Essie attended Fairfield Schools until 1947, when they closed, and she had to attend Gettysburg School, where she graduated in the class of 1948. After high school, she met the love of her life, a young Navy man named Bob Gilmore. They were married on June 24, 1950, and were together for over 60 years before his passing in January 2011. In her younger years, Essie worked at several places, including the Fairfield Shoe Factory, Musselman’s Canning Factory, Reindollar Hardware, Hiner’s Garage, and Stuckey’s. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a member of the Women of St. John, where she helped cook many meals for the local Lion’s Club.
Essie was a devoted mother, cherished grandma, and the heart of her home. She found her greatest joy in caring for her family and spending time with friends. An excellent cook and homemaker, she shared her love through countless home-cooked meals and gatherings. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the values that she instilled, and the family who loved her so deeply.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, H. Kenneth Seiferd.
Surviving are her three children, Donald Gilmore and wife Dana of Littlestown, PA; Thomas Gilmore and wife Madelyn of Findlay, OH; and Susan Johnson and husband Shane of Thomasville, NC. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jessica Murphy and husband Scott, Rebecca Gilmore, Lucynda Shaffer, Megan Hodnicki and husband Chris, Christopher Gilmore and wife Mindy, Chelsea Marinovich and husband Serge, Mara Gilmore, and Carrie Hovorka and husband Nathan. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Leroy Gilmore, Ivy Layton, Devon Serviss, James Serviss, Olivia Hodnicki, Noah Hodnicki, Stefan Marinovich, Leo Marinovich, and great-great-grandchildren Wesley Spangler and Colton Berzonski.
The family would like to thank the staff of Amedisys Hospice of York and the Pappus House in Thomasville, PA for their care of our mom during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfield, PA or Pappus House in Thomasville, PA.
A graveside service at Fairfield Union Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.