Crenilda A. Gilbert

Crenilda Anita Gilbert, passed away on April 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of quiet generosity, deep love, and a life centered around her faith, and family.

Anita had a rare gift, she made everyone feel like they were her favorite. Whether through a warm meal, a thoughtful gesture, or simply the way she listened, each person in her life felt uniquely loved. And somehow, we all believed it—because it was true.

She never sought attention or recognition. In fact, she often preferred to stay in the background, finding her greatest joy in caring for others and seeing them happy. Her kindness was not loud or showy, it was steady, genuine, and woven into everything she did.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Colin Gilbert, with whom she shared 42 years of marriage. He was her true love, and after his passing, she chose not to remarry—a quiet testament to the depth of her devotion and the life they built together.

Her four children were her pride and joy, and her family was her greatest accomplishment. She devoted her life to them—first to her children, then to her grandchildren, and later to her great-grandchildren. Caring for her family was not just something she did; it was who she was.

She was also known for her personality—hilarious, full of wisdom, and often a grounding voice for those around her. She had a spirit that made her all the more unforgettable, and a way of speaking truth with both practicality and heart. While she never sought a wide circle, she was deeply loyal and dedicated to the friends she held close and remained active and engaged in her community throughout her life.

Born in Recife, Brazil on October 22, 1929 she lived a life that spanned continents and cultures. She carried her warmth and strength with her wherever she went, building a life rooted in faith, family, resilience, and love.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Augusto Gomes da Silva and Almerinda Bastos Gomes, along with her brothers and sisters, all of whom she held dear throughout her life. She was the last of her siblings, a role she carried with quiet strength and grace.

She is survived by her children: Andrew Gilbert (Dianna), Paul Gilbert, Mark Gilbert (Johana), and Julia-Mary Waters (Barry); Debbie Gilbert, who remained a close and devoted member of the family; her grandchildren: Sara Gilbert-Kay (Steven), Phillip Gilbert (Kate), John-Colin Gilbert, and Gabriella Waters; and her great-grandchildren: Addison Gilbert, Sawyer Kay, and Colin Gilbert. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews in Brazil.

To know Anita was to feel cared for. To be loved by her was to feel special in a way that cannot be replicated. Though she never wanted to be the center of attention, we honor her fully—because a life like hers deserves to be recognized.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and in the quiet reminder she leaves behind: that the simplest acts of kindness can mean everything.