It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Gigi Estabrook, who left us peacefully on September 24, 2024. Born in 1945, Gigi lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, brightening our world with her quick wit, humor, and unforgettable personality. A native of the Boston area, she retained quite proudly her no-nonsense New England attitude throughout her life. Gigi is survived by her two children, Mischa Hey (Carrie Norris) and Whitney Rhoades (Chris Rhoades), her sister Tara Estabrook (Bruce Peterson), numerous nieces and nephews and their children, and her dog Wicket, a constant companion to Gigi. She was preceded in death by her brother, Reed Estabrook, a year prior to her own passing.

Gigi was born in Boston, MA, to Nancy Bullivant Estabrook and F. Reed Estabrook, Jr. She grew up with her siblings, Reed Estabrook and Tara Estabrook, and developed a deep love for learning, spirituality, and connection.

Gigi had a multifaceted career, beginning as a technical editor for Cambridge Computer Associates. She later followed her passion for balance and harmony by becoming a certified Feng Shui consultant, helping people transform their spaces and lives. For many years, she was a beloved employee at New Renaissance Bookshop, where she shared her knowledge and love for books, healing, and personal growth with the community.

In 2005, in true impulsive Gigi fashion, she moved to Portland, OR, after a single visit. She rented a house on the spot and later purchased a home in the funky Alberta Arts District, where she embraced the creative, eclectic spirit of the neighborhood and built a welcoming space for friends and family.

Gigi had a great appreciation for good food (including ice cream and potato chips), Oregon wines, and coffee. She kept family traditions alive like caviar pie and fish balls at every holiday.

Outside her culinary pursuits, Gigi enjoyed reading, playing games and puzzles, social gatherings with her Woodlake community, and valued any time spent with her cherished circle of friends. Above all, Gigi loved nothing more than having her family around her.

A fervent supporter of the Oregon Humane Society, Gigi was passionate about animal welfare and volunteered regularly for many years. The OHS is where she adopted her beloved dog, Wicket, named after the Ewok from Star Wars. She had a lovely rapport with her dog, and was known for communicating with him thoroughly and always in complete sentences and clearly expressed expectations.

Gigi was also an early and unequivocal advocate for women’s equality, and fought that battle on many fronts, from avid support of women led/owned businesses to marching in DC for reproductive rights. 

Gigi was unique, a one-of-a-kind gem who expressed herself through her vibrant outfits and color choices, a reflection of the spirited and spiritual woman she was. She lived her life with dignity and independence, a trait she instilled in those around her. In 2022 she started to lose her lower body mobility, eventually becoming wheelchair-bound before undergoing a rare double hip replacement in late 2023. Throughout that time, she remained positive and cheerful, and was incredibly self-sufficient.

Gigi loved to travel, and brought a real passion for Buddhist arts home from a memorable trip to Bhutan and Nepal, as well as travelling throughout Europe, an Alaska cruise ship, to Mexico with her daughter, on a tour throughout the southeast to amusement parks when the kids were young, and countless more adventures.

The void left by Gigi will be hard to fill, but her laughter, wisdom, and vibrant personality will forever remain etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. As we bid our farewells, let us remember Gigi in high spirits, and with great fondness, just as she would have wanted us to.

Gigi Estabrook, you were truly one-of-a-kind, and you will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Oregon Humane Society in Gigi's honor.

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