Victoria Madison Gill
1952-May 30, 2009
San Francisco, California

Victoria Madison Rathbun Gill died at her home in San Francisco on May 30. She was 57.

Born in Portola Valley, Ms. Gill attended both Portola Valley and Corte Madera schools. She spent her freshman year of high school at Crystal Springs for Girls, then transferred to Woodside High School, graduating in 1969. She attended Reed College and the University of Oregon before graduating in 1974 from Sonoma State University with a bachelor's degree in European studies.

Ms. Gill worked for many years at Bronson, Bronson & McKinnon law firm in San Francisco. During this time, she wrote a great deal and had her poetry published in both books and poetry journals, say family members. She also worked as a book editor.

She earned a second bachelor's degree in French from San Francisco State University in 1987, then obtained a master's degree in French from Middlebury College in 1989, studying in Paris and Vermont.

In 1988 she married Kim Gill, who shared her love of France. They traveled there together several times, say family members. They separated in 1996. Ms. Gill was a judge twice for the French National New Fiction Award, sponsored by Club Med.

Ms. Gill worked for 12 years for Seifer, Murken, Despina, James & Teichman Law Office in San Francisco. She left in September 2008, when she began experiencing health problems.

Ms. Gill is survived by her father, Alvin Rathbun, and step-mother, Sally Lemoin Rathbun of Los Altos; sister Susan Rathbun Martin; step-sister Lisa Lemoin of Campbell; and three nephews.

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