Jessie Gill

Jessie Ann Delgado Gill transitioned into heavenly light on Sunday evening, May 19, 2019 at her home after a day of prayers, messages and visits with family and friends.

Born on March 17, 1917 in Sunnyvale, California, she was the first child of Ana Brenes Ravalin and Martin Blazquez Delgado, respectively natives of Almogia, Malaga, Spain and Samoral, Salamanca, Spain.  Her parents, as well as two maternal grandparents, were part of the Spain-to-Hawaii labor migration in 1907 and 1910.

After losing her mother at age 6 and father at age 13, Jessie kept her three brothers (Stanley, Peter and Frank) together with family support including by her Cha Cha (tita Isabel Munoz).  Together; the four siblings were fostered by uncle Pedro and aunt Josephine Ravalin (along with her cousins: Mary Cry, Tony Ravalin, Elaine McLaughlin).  In her youth, Jessie’s deep affinity for nurturing, reading and sewing arts started; life-long friendships and youth participation in the Cervantes Club evolved.  A courtship ensued after meeting the love of her life, John Guerra Gill, at a Sunnyvale wedding; their own marriage on July 5, 1949, brought Jessie to John’s orchards in the Olive Pleasants Valley district of Winters.  There, Jessie quickly partnered on the family business with her husband, embraced new relatives, friends and the community; she greatly relished insights from other wives, sharing cooking/baking ideas and expanding her sewing skills.

While raising their children, Peggy and John, activities focused on church, school, sports, library, music and clubs: 4-H as well as scouts prevailed.  At “retirement” and selling their ranch, John and Jessie moved into town. They traveled solo and with friends/family through 40 states, Mexico, and across the Atlantic to Spain, Portugal, Morocco and England.  Jessie continued her nurses aid work was a seasonal floor lady and volunteered at a county blood pressure clinic. Via the Sutter Davis Hospital Auxiliary, into her 90s, she helped with newborns and translating for patients and families.  She was part of the St Anthony’s Parish, St. Anthony’s Altar Society, Winters Fortnightly Club, Winters Senior Club, and Winters Friends of the Library; honored as a Winters Senior Citizen of Year and recipient of several craft prizes.  After husband John passed, Jessie continued to initiate family and girlfriend time by gatherings and travel.  She built a joyful network of friends, participating in the Senior Lunch Program, sewing, reciting rosary, reading and further volunteering.  Loyal, fun and devoted to family, friends, and neighbors as well as to Our Lady the Virgin Mary, Jessie listened and fortified others in their own challenges, interests and accomplishments.  She took high pleasure in the performing arts along with exploring her Spanish heritage and culture.  Her thoughtful manners, keen memory and quiet intelligence were inspiring; Jessie will be missed as a gracious motivator and reliable companion that loved the lights of cities and those present in the spirits of others.

Originally named Jacinta, Jessie (or Jay) is survived by her brother Frank G. Delgado, cousins: Tony Arnedo and Dick Ravalin, daughter Peggy Gill Dickson (Edward) and son John D. Gill, grandsons: David A. Gill, Nathan J. Gill and Joseph D. Gill, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and young cousins.  Jessie was blessed with many friendships including generations in a special, close cul-de-sac neighborhood for of over 46 years. Jessie and her family were most grateful for the excellent companionship and care by Rosa Solorio, Maria S. Campos and Lupe Campos.

Family and friends are welcome to graveside services on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 11 am at the Winters Cemetery, 415 Cemetery Drive, Winters California, A reception will follow at Saint Anthony's Parish Hall, 511 Main Street, Winters, California.  Messages are welcomed at Smith Funeral Home.

Attendees are encouraged to wear lavender, Jessie’s favorite color and/or to bring their sock monkeys.  In lieu of flowers, consider either spending some extra time reading to a child, discussing a book, or making a memorial contribution to one of her favorite causes: Winters Friends of the Library, Toys for Tots or Sutter Davis Hospital Auxiliary.