Lucille E. Gamba

AIKEN, SC -- Lucille Eatman Gamba, beloved wife of the late Dr. Carl L. Gamba, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at the home of her daughter, Nancy Gamba Hansen, surrounded by family. Mrs. Gamba was born in Mantua, Al. to Viola Marlowe and Samuel Snoddy Eatman. She was reared in Tuscaloosa, Al. and was a graduate of the University of Alabama. She taught Home Economics and English in the Birmingham School District for nine years before her marriage in 1944 to Carl Lewis Gamba, M.D., then a Captain in the Army. She and Dr. Gamba moved to Wallingford, Pa., in 1950, where he opened a family medical practice and she established a home for their four children. Mrs. Gamba was active in school, community and church activities. She served many years as a leader in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, the PTA and as a member of several Medical Auxiliaries. Following his retirement from private practice, Dr. and Mrs. Gamba spent two years living and working in Guam, during which time they traveled extensively throughout the Far East. Mrs. Gamba was one of the volunteers during Operation Babylift who met and cared for orphans being evacuated at the end of the Vietnam War. They moved to Aiken in 1979, where Dr. Gamba continued to practice medicine at the Site. She and her husband were worldwide and adventurous travelers; making numerous trips to Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, People’s Republic of China, as well as enjoying extensive camping trips throughout the United States. They also spent many quiet times at their beloved house on Edisto Island, which was the site of annual family gatherings for over twenty-five years. Mrs. Gamba was a Master bridge player, an avid reader, with her own decades- long listing and rating system for each book she’d read, and a serious follower of current events. She and Dr. Gamba placed great emphasis on the value of higher education and the necessity of a solid work ethic. Being an “accomplisher” was one of her highest compliments. Above all, her abiding focus was on her family, both immediate and extended, and her many dear friends. Even to the very end, her encyclopedic memory, dry wit, and healing touch brought joy and release to all whom she loved. Mrs. Gamba was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Her beloved husband Carl, and two sisters, Gladys and Jane Ola preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Carl, Orleans, Vt., Nancy (Jerry) Aiken, SC, David, (Beverly) Raleigh, NC, Mark (Deborah) N. Augusta, SC, daughter-in –law Colleen O’Neill, Barton, Vt., grandchildren Juliet, Vajra, Radha, Adam, Logan, Damon, Conner, Seth, Jay, Michael, Ashley, Heather, Jason, Jeremy and Derek, eighteen great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Autism Ability Advocates, 470 Timberchase Lane, Aiken, SC 29803. Please visit the online guest register at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com. SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lucille E. Gamba, please visit our flower store.