Nelly Gil is survived by a daughter, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. She was 88 years old.

She was born and raised in her home country of Bolivia, became a secretary to a high government office, married and had three children. Her role as a mother informed the rest of her life as she became a prominent society member, organizing fund-raisers and standing next to her husband, who was an important figure in the government at the time. It was a good life.

During her second act, she maintained U.S. residency as her children attended university here, traveling back to Bolivia every six months, until she became a proud U.S. citizen. She became a full-time resident of the United States to be closer to her grandchildren, and spent the rest of her life close to her family. She lived with her daughter and visited with her son's family every week.

In her last days, Nelly said about her life: "I had a good life. I traveled the world, I wanted for nothing, I had my family close to me, and I had good health." She had a lifelong faith in God, and felt he accompanied her on every step of her journey. That strength allowed her to see the world in her way, despite any obstacles, and live the way she wanted. Her love for her family was the foundation of the life she lived, and her role as mother was the cornerstone of her relationships with others. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, always giving advice and discussing her views of the changing world.

When Nelly walked into a room, her very manner commanded respect, and she created a world where people respected each other. She was reserved, strong-willed, hard to persuade, and yet very loving and caring to all. She was a character. Her manners were impeccable, and she never stopped teaching her grandchildren how important it was to be well educated and respectful to all. She lived as she taught, and never gave up on people who might have fallen short of her expectations.

She loved to craft: knitting, sewing, crocheting, and painting. She was known as an excellent cook, and believed that a meal's flavor depended on that of the chef; her meals were delicious, and all who knew her knew that if she made it, it would be absolutely delicious. She had sabor. The one constant pastime of hers through the years was playing cards with friends and family, hours and hours of loba or telefunken. Even her grandchildren played with her, and the challenge of beating her at cards was half the reason to play.

Nelly would say that she was raised well, and her good health was something she was very proud of. When she became sick, she did not want to give any energy or attention to the sickness, and lived her life as independently as she could. She did not believe in her illness, instead believing in God and his providence, which had always guided her.

She passed away at home, surrounded by family that cared for her and loved her. She was never alone, and will walk among her loved ones in heaven, who called out to her as she transitioned to the next world. She will be loved and missed dearly.

Memorial Gathering Saturday 3 – 5 PM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, with a Prayer Service beginning at 4 PM. Cremation was private.