Syril Nita Gilbert

Syril Gilbert (nee Garland) passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She is survived by her loving daughter Roselynn Gilbert Don (Gary Hutter); cherished grandchildren David Don (Manizha Ruzieva) and Katherine Don (Seth Warkentien); adoring step-granddaughter Emily Hutter; loving daughter-in-law Theresa Buckman (widow of the late Arthur Gilbert); adoring great-grandchildren Vera and Vivian Warkentien, step-grandchildren Joseph Ruel (Bridget Anders) and Timothy Ruel, and step great-grandchild Sage Hutter; devoted nieces and nephew Elaine Garland, Holly Garland, Larry Garland (Lisa Garland), and Jennie Lepp (Mark Lepp); along with her cherished great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her son, Arthur “Artie” Gilbert, husband Ronald “Ronny” Gilbert, brother Kenneth Garland (Marie Garland), and parents David and Kathryn “Kate” Garland.

Syril was born in Chicago, Illinois, growing up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. She met and fell in love with her future husband, Ronny, at the age of 16. The couple married in 1951, and soon welcomed a daughter and then a son. The family lived for several years in Budlong Woods before building their home in Wilmette in 1963, where Syril and Ronny put down roots and raised their children. While in her thirties, Syril returned to school and earned her master’s degree in clinical social work (LCSW) from the UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work.

Syril practiced social work for many years at Lutheran General Hospital, first on the then-called “psychosomatic unit,” and later on the oncology unit, where she mentored numerous students, founded and led the Brain Tumor Support Group, and earned many awards of excellence. She was dedicated to her work—which she did not consider to be work, as she loved her chosen career. After retiring, Syril devoted herself to the Cancer Care Foundation, a non-profit-organization that she founded and administered along with her husband and their dedicated board of volunteers and participating social workers.

Syril was known for her soft heart, love for helping others, and silly sense of humor. In her later years, she was a devoted grandmother, step-grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-aunt. To the surprise of many, Syril discovered a love for dogs later in life and became a devoted dog-mom to Sugar and Coco, and later to Kai and Lucy. Syril will be missed by all who loved and cherished her.

Funeral service Friday, February 27, 11AM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Shiva will be held at Syril's home on Friday, February 27, following the interment and Saturday, February 28, from 4PM to 8PM.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Syril’s honor to ASPCA - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org/ways-to-give). For info: 847-256-5700