Gabrielle D. Keil
Passing of Gay Keil – Former President of the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society
Gabrielle D. Keil, a lifelong resident of Tiburon, California, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, at the age of 84. Gay Keil, as she was known by her friends and family, was born in San Francisco, California, on January 20, 1940, daughter of Russell David Keil and Bernidet Millerick Keil.
Gay graduated from Dominican Convent School (now known as San Domenico School) in 1957 and then attended Gonzaga University. In 2002, Gay was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by San Domenico School. Gay gave back to San Domenico School in many ways, chairing committees of the Alumni Council from 2002 to 2006 and serving on the San Domenico Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2012.
After her time at Gonzaga University, Gay worked at the Children’s Hospital in San Francisco as head of patient admitting. She was also an active participant in the Junior League in her twenties and thirties.
But it was her connection with the Tiburon community and its rich history that truly defined Gay’s spirit. She joined the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society as an associate board member in 1979 and was elevated to the Executive Board in 1985 where she served as board secretary. In 1987, Gay was appointed president of the Landmarks Society Executive Board and remained on the board until 1991. She remained a loyal and valued contributor to the Landmarks Society, serving as office manager until 2006. Gay Keil was recognized as an honorary member of the Landmarks Society until her passing in July 2024.
Gay was also cherished member of the Society of California Pioneers, where she displayed her passion for California history and the society’s collection of archives and paintings. Gay joined the society in 1996, and in 2001, she was named county vice president for Marin County. In 2005, she became a vice president and director and became a board governor in 2024. Gay was a devoted member of the society and attended every possible board meeting and event that she could. Not only did Gay support the society with her time and energy, but also through her generous financial support of meaningful projects over many years.
Gay had a keen intellect and a pointed sense of humor. Her one-liners were legendary, and if you made an errant comment, you needed to be prepared to be put in your proper place. Gay had a sense of adventure, enjoyed traveling and maintained a regular schedule of cruises. She even lived on the Big Island of Hawaii on her own for a year.
But it was here in Tiburon where Gay was happiest and a fixture of the community. She loved sitting outside of Tiburon coffee shops and greeting locals and visitors alike. When she could walk downtown, she walked. When she needed a scooter, she scooted. And in the final chapter of her life, her devoted helpers, including Lucy, would drive her downtown. Having a routine and a connection with Tiburon was important to Gay. According to local legend, if you haven’t seen Gay at a downtown coffee shop, then you never really lived in Tiburon.
Most of all, Gay loved her family — both past and present. It was up to Gay to say grace before important family dinners, and she always referenced her mother and father in her words. When family visited her in her final months, she sometimes mixed up names, but that was not the point, she was thinking about, interested in and talking about her family. Gay loved holidays, especially Easter and Thanksgiving, because these moments brought her the joy of being with her family. She had a great memory throughout her life and took pride in knowing everyone’s birthdays. But in her final days, remembering birthdays became challenging, so it was no surprise that after she passed, a note was found in her kitchen that listed all of her family members and their birthdays.
Gay was preceded in death by her parents, Russell D. Keil Sr. and Bernidet M. Keil and her nephew, William D. Hynes. She is survived by her sister Molly K. Hynes, brother Russell D. Keil Jr., sister-in-law Julia B. Keil, nieces Maggie G. Keil, Brei K. Tobin, Bernidet K. Celia and nephew Russell D. Keil III, as well as ten great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on August 8, 2024, at 1:30pm at St. Hilary Church in Tiburon, with a reception to follow at Tarantino Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gay can be made to San Domenico School (San Domenico School, Attn: Advancement Office, 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 94960).