Martha C. Gilhooly, 94, of Colorado Springs, passed peacefully away, surrounded by the love of her family, on January 17, 2024, one day short of her 95th birthday. She was a Registered Nurse, Air Force wife, and homemaker.
Martha was born in Rockville, Indiana on January 18, 1929 to Clarence A. Bowman and M. Teresa (Howell) Bowman. She was christened at Rockville First United Methodist Church and remained a devoted Methodist throughout her life. She graduated from Rockville High School in 1947 and went on to receive her training as a nurse in Terre Haute, Indiana. She subsequently served as both a hospital and industrial nurse. She delighted her family with colorful stories of her unusual nursing experiences.
In 1953, she married David Patrick “Pat” Gilhooly and they began a journey with the US Air Force that would take them to many assignments within the United States and abroad. Martha remembered most fondly the years they were stationed in Germany and the many sights of Europe that assignment afforded them.
In 1965, her husband received orders for Colorado Springs, and they would live out the rest of their lives within sight of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. Martha loved flower gardening and the local “garden shop crawl” was an annual Mother’s Day weekend tradition. Martha was an avid reader and maintained a lifelong interest in medicine. After glaucoma and macular degeneration claimed her eyesight, she still enjoyed listening to programs on public television and was always ready to discuss the wonders of life.
Martha was preceded into Heaven by her parents, her brothers, Leon Bowman and Ross Bowman, and her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Elaine Taravella (Paul) and Lynne Beck (Andy) as well as three granddaughters, Rachel Beck, Madeline Beck and Alyssa Beck. Her family and dear friends will hold her in their hearts and will greatly miss her quick wit, wise words and unwavering love.
A Celebration of Life will be held in May, Martha’s favorite month. Her family hopes many friends will join them in honoring her life on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00 am at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. A reception will follow at a location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Martha’s name to Doctors Without Borders (donate.doctorswithoutborders.org) or Pikes Peak Hospice (pikespeakhospice.org).
Troy Campbell
28 Jan 2024I would like to say that it has been a privilege of mine to call Martha a friend for many years. We’ve held many long conversations. It was wonderful to learn of her life. She certainly learned of mine, because she would sit and listen. In younger years, she become a surrogate mom. In later years, we simply became pals. I will miss her terribly. I also miss Pat. He and I also developed a friendship.
Beverly Book
7 May 2024I was fortunate to be friends with Martha during her stay at MacKenzie Place. She was always so happy to join in conversations while in the dining room and, in spite of her vision loss, she was always so upbeat and happy. She was a great lady. God bless!