Millstone residents pay homage to Maggie Gilbert
"She was someone who reached out to all she met with open arms and helping hands." - Cindy Mayer
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - Longtime municipal employee and community volunteerMaggie Gilbert lost her battlewith cancer lastweek.

Gilbert, 62, died April 5 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. She worked for the township for 13 years before retiring inDecember. Shewas also an active member of the United Presbyterian Church of Millstone where she served as an elder, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and Bible study leader.

CindyMayer, ofMillstone,who plays the organ at the church, said that she and her husband, Bill, knew Gilbert for more than 30 years.

"She was someone who reached out to all she met with open arms and helping hands," Mayer recalled.

Mayer said Gilbert was blessed with many abilities.

"She was a talented businesswoman, working many years in a bank," she said.

Gilbert was also a founding member of the Interfaith Council of Millstone Township, a member of the Millstone Township Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a founding member of the Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad LadiesAuxiliary, Scottsville, Va., and a Brownie leader in Scottsville.

Mayer said that one of Gilbert's favorite vocations was child care. She said Gilbert cared for every child shemet as if they were her own and they all responded with love.

"The children in her daily care grew up knowing that they each were a special gift from God," Mayer said. "They experienced unconditional love as she helped to reinforce a true sense of values and self-worth."

Mayer said Gilbert touched people with her honesty, openness and love in her heart.

"Her light will not go out because she is no longerwith us,"Mayer said. "Itwill shine forever in all of us who were privileged to knowMaggie Gilbert."

Gilbert also served as a former vice chairwoman and chairwoman of theAmerican Cancer Society Relay for Life.

John Pfefferkorn, of Millstone, who annually helps organize the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at the New Egypt High School, said that both Maggie and George Gilbert have been very positive forces in his life.

"I've seen firsthand how they bothmade giving back to the community an essential part of their lives, and their volunteerism and leadership are outstanding examples to be guided by," he said.

Pfefferkorn said he and his wife, Anita, who is the chairwoman of the relay this year, credit Maggie Gilbert with encouraging them to get more involved in the relay.

He said, "Both Anita and I were honored to be asked by Maggie to getmore involved in Relay for Life by volunteering for key committee roles. And havingMaggie as our local contact and major cheerleader made our decision to join really easy. Shewas a key inspiration for the American Cancer Society and us both."

Pfefferkorn said being the lead of the cancer relay is not a glamorous role.

"It's a lot of work, a lot of he said. "And Maggie did all of that well.We will miss her support."

Gilbert is survived by her husband, George, two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and David Swift ofHaines,Ark., and Debby and Lee Preiss of Corpus Christi, Texas; a stepdaughter, Reesa Moore of Portsmouth, Va.; a brother, Richard J. Palmer of Millstone Township; two sisters, Emma F. Palmer ofMillstone Township, and Elizabeth McCabe and her husband Edmund of Jackson; four grandchildren, T.J. Kane, Caroline and Virginia Preiss, and Maddy Swift; a brother-in-law,Mel Summer Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Lorraine and Theresa Palmer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family has asked thatmemorial donations bemade to the United Presbyterian Church ofMillstone, P.O. Box 202,Millstone Township, NJ 08535.