Maud "Mickie" Gilchrist

Maud “Mickie” Gilchrist, age 101, passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was born in Mexia, Texas weighing only 2.5 lbs. at birth. Survival of such tiny infants would have been rare in those days. In 1929 at age 16, she married 19-year-old Hassel Norman. Leaving Texas, they settled in Fallbrook, Calif. in 1931, where she continued living for 37 years.

She and her husband divorced. Later, she married S.W. Clark. When that marriage ended, she met and married Charles Gilchrist. That union lasted until his passing in 2000. They enjoyed 44 wonderful years together, spending 28 of those years in Sun City, Calif.

Mickie’s resume would have been an interesting read… worked at Fallbrook Packing House in 1937 packing lemons; became a U.S. postal employee; sold cosmetics and perfumes; and then sold life insurance.

In later years, she studied cosmetology and became a manicurist. When most people her age were retired and relaxing, she was caring for the “elderly” folks in Sun City, doing manicures and pedicures. She loved being around people of all ages. Helping others was what she most enjoyed in life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles D. Gilchrist and beloved grandson, Chris Norman.

She is survived by her son, Gene Norman and her daughter, Rose Marie Snyder; six grandchildren; and 10 great – grandchildren. She also loved her family of stepchildren and step – grandchildren.

Known as “Grammie” to most of us, she was an energetic, beautiful lady who loved people and loved life.

May the sound of her laughter remain forever in our hearts.