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Shirley Gemmer OBITUARY
Birth: 1943
Death: 2024
Shirley and her identical twin sister, Sharon, were born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan in 1943, the first of six daughters born to Norman and Kathryn (Berling) Brey. Norman was a family doctor in Grosse Pointe, and both Shirley and Sharon followed him into the medical field by becoming registered nurses. After completing her degree from the University of Michigan in 1964, Shirley jumped in the car to head out for adventures in California, dodging cows, and other obstacles along the way. Once in San Francisco, Shirley met the love of her life, David Gemmer, and they were married in Michigan in 1968. They resided in San Francisco and Oakland before settling in Alamo, California to raise their two sons.Born with an innate devotion to her family, Shirley was a wonderful wife as well as an amazing mother to her two boys, who always felt the warm embrace of her love and support. There was no doubt, however, that her favorite role was that of grandma. She loved her special time with her grandkids and adored being their “Gogo.” She jumped at every chance to babysit or go on special grandma adventures when they were young, and she never failed to attend a sporting event, music concert or theater performance as they got older.Shirley’s love of her family knew no bounds, especially when it came to her sisters, whom she adored beyond measure. Their bond was unbreakable, and their conversations, filled with laughter and love, could stretch on for hours.Shirley will always be remembered for her vivacious and bubbly personality, her love and caring for family and friends, and her zest for life with Dave. Perhaps her most enduring quality was her capacity to love wholeheartedly. She gave of herself freely, without hesitation, and her love touched the lives of countless people. Whether through a comforting embrace or a listening ear, Shirley knew how to love with every fiber of her being. Shirley was preceded in death by both of her parents and is survived by her husband, David Gemmer, her two sons and their wives, Scott and Nicole Gemmer and Brian and Heather Gemmer, and by her four grandchildren, Jack, Chelsea, Mason, and Bryce Gemmer.Memorial services are being organized with the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/obituaries/shirley-gemmer-alamo-ca/
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Holmes Brown
Condolence letter to Sharon
Sharon,
I was greatly distressed to receive the announcement of the passing of your sister Shirley. You will receive-- through the class website and in person--many condolences, but this heartfelt expression from a fellow twin who has lost his sibling may be particularly poignant.
You have lost a companion who has provided affection, support and guidance through eight mutable decades. And a person with whom you had telepathic communication--sometimes to the aggravation of family or friends --with a mood intuited or a thought unvoiced.
In high school, Ham and I would follow with particular interest the unique contributions of our classmates and fellow twins.
You may recall that my father was an identical twin, and I have been fortunate to follow suit with identical twin daughters. So let the tradition continue.
With fond memories,
Holmes