Inez Gilkeson

GILKESON, Inez Mary Perocco March 1, 1930 - January 12, 2012 Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Inez Gilkeson, passed away following a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was 81. Inez was born in Santa Barbara at the family home on Olive Street on March 1, 1930. Her childhood was spent with her parents at their businesses, the Italian Grocery and the Universal Bakery. As a child she helped her father deliver bread before school to homes in Montecito and sold penny candy at the store after school. She also helped in the bakery. She was educated at Dolores School, Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Santa Barbara Catholic High School where she excelled in piano and played on the girls' basketball and softball teams. She graduated in 1947 and went on to earn her degree from Santa Barbara Business College on the Riviera. She worked for several businesses in accounting and finance including SP Milling, County National Bank, Crocker-Anglo Bank, Borden Co., Resin Industries and Presidio Savings & Loan. In 1954, Inez married the love of her life, Edward F. "Gil" Gilkeson. Together they raised four children: David of Santa Barbara, Denise Mann of Long Beach, Diane Ziliotto (Oliver) of Santa Barbara, and Danielle Lambert (Mark) of Lake Oswego, OR. She had four grandchildren whom she adored: Jonathan & Taylor Gilkeson and Stephen & Giuliana Ziliotto. Nothing gave her more joy than holding them, spoiling them and watching them grow. She was predeceased by her husband of 37 years, her parents Angelo & Marianna Perocco, and her brother Lorenzo Perocco. Inez was an accomplished businesswoman. She assisted her parents in their businesses and managed their rental properties. She continued as an owner/manager of several properties until her death. She was active in The Apartment Association for many years and served on the Board of Directors for several terms. An avid gardener, she grew roses, orchids, irises and many fruit trees. She loved to cook & bake, embroider & needlepoint, do crossword & jigsaw puzzles, and listen to classical music & opera. Inez was strong-willed, determined, stubborn, loyal & honest. She was a woman of her word - and of many words. She loved her family, her faith and her hometown. She was incredibly proud of her Italian heritage and spoke the Venetian dialect perfectly until her final days. She was a loyal friend and a fierce adversary. She taught her children the value of hard work, keeping their word, being honest and doing things the right way - even if it wasn't easy. We knew she loved us through all the things she did for us. She will be loved and missed forever. Viewing will be at 6 PM followed by the Rosary at 7 PM, Wednesday, January 18, 2012, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Mass of Resurrection will be at 10 AM, Thursday, January 19, 2012, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Burial at Calvary Cemetery. Inez didn't care for the color black but she loved pink. Please wear your favorite color other than black. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Villa Magella, Direct Relief International or Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.