Helen "Peggy" Stackable's Obituary
Helen “Peggy” Stackable was born to Jack and Helen Stackable in Berkeley on June 24, 1945, arriving as a great birthday present to her Mom who shared her name. Peggy was the middle daughter of three girls and for 75 years she was a life-long resident of Oakland. Diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Peggy passed away peacefully last Monday with her sister and niece by her side. In her final days, she enjoyed visits from many loving, long-time friends.
Peggy graduated from San Jose State and worked as a mathematician for Lockheed, Serata Geomechanics, and Lawrence Berkeley Lab. She married Angus MacLean, and later George Gilmour, both deceased.
Peggy made a second career as a devoted volunteer: she was a member of the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, working year-round on the White Elephant Sale; she served teas at the Pardee Home Museum; and since 1981, she volunteered at the Woodminster Summer Musicals in the amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Besides serving as a board member, she worked in the box office, and hosted huge potluck dinners with friends for each show, which were attended by many for decades.
Peggy was interested in a myriad of subjects. She read and listened to many books and had an amazing ability to recall quotes at just the right moment in a conversation. She was a progressive lefty who loved cats, she loved to solve puzzles, and for many years she decorated beautiful cakes for weddings and birthdays. She also loved being an aunt and extended that nurturing and care to her friends’ children as well.
She is survived by her sisters June Densmore and Barbara Carroll, nieces Shannon and Kelly Densmore, and nephews Adam and Devon Carroll, and great-nephews Minowa Wood and Angus Carroll.
A memorial will occur when we can once again join together to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Woodminster Theater (Producers Associates, Inc.) or the Oakland Museum Women’s Board.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
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