Birth: 1945
Death: 2025
Gaye Lonna Wellbrock, “Grandy” OBITUARY
Gaye Lonna Wellbrock, “Grandy” OBITUARY
Gaye Lonna Wellbrock, lovingly known as “Grandy,” passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, June 2, 2025, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her two children and other close family members at Hospice of the North Coast’s Pacifica House in Carlsbad, California.
Born on July 10, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Gaye was the youngest daughter of Laura and Coulter Bracken, and is survived by her beloved sister, Lynne Thies, and extended family.
Gaye was a devoted mother to Ryan and Riley and a cherished grandmother to her grandsons, Bodhi and Griffin Wellbrock. She embraced her daughter-in-law, Liz Wellbrock, as one of her own. In 1977, Gaye married the love of her life, Kent Wellbrock, in Chicago. Together they built a beautiful life in Orange County and Cincinnati, raising their children and forming lifelong family friends. The family finds comfort in the belief that they are now joyfully reunited.
Known for her radiant smile, boundless positivity, and generous heart, Gaye had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family were evident in everything she did. She was the ultimate mom–always present, always giving. Whether volunteering, carpooling on a moment’s notice, preparing meals, tutoring, hosting friends and family, or supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s endeavors, Gaye did it all with grace and devotion.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church on August 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (panCAN) in Gaye’s memory, or to Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas Cancer Care. To donate, please visit:
Scripps.org/InMemoryGayeWellbrock
