Mardelle L. (High) Gilchrist

Dec. 11, 1916-Oct. 10, 2011

Mardelle Gilchrist reached the end of a long and happy life on Monday, surrounded by her loved ones; she was 94.

Born in Saint Augustine, Mardelle was the second child of Robert and Ethel (Craig) Larsen. She went on to attend Florida State College where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.

During WWII she was one of Florida’s first female real estate agents, directing the business and home accounts of Verle Pope, who went on to serve 38 years in the Florida House and Senate. It was during this time that she met her first husband, Dick High, when he was stationed as a Coast Guard officer in St. Augustine.

The Highs settled in West Palm Beach in 1952, where Mardelle managed the family’s 10-unit apartment building and home on Olive Avenue. She was an avid gardener and Garden Club member.

With Dick gone and the children in college, Mardelle would spend part of her time in Saint Augustine visiting family and friends. It was on one of these trips that she attended her high school reunion where she rekindled her friendship with Col. Charles Gilchrist. They married in 1978 and resided in Jacksonville until Charles passed in 1993.

Mardelle returned to West Palm Beach, and enjoyed faithfully devoting time at Unity of the Palm Beaches where she had been a founding member. Her final years were mostly limited to home and family.

Left behind to cherish her memory are sisters Mildred Harmon and Jeri Capella, children Pam High (Lou Giancola) and Rick High (Patty); grandchildren Jennie, Anthony and Liz Giancola, Zoe Rawson, Lisa Mariotti (Greg Sipes), and Lauren High; great grandchildren Sunday and Matilda Labrucherie, and Lainey and Mason Sipes; nephew Lamar Harmon (Rhonda) and their son Steven; and caregiver Angela Glasse. She was also predeceased by her brother, Buddy Larsen.

Her visitation will begin at 10:00 AM until 12 PM funeral service time on Saturday, October 15 at Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home, 6411 Parker Ave., WBP and her burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville alongside her darling Charles. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that a donation be made to Unity of the Palm Beaches.

Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home & Cremation Services

West Palm Beach, FL

Online Condolences can be shared at: www.mizellfavillezern.com