“Shanti” Gail Dimitroff 1935–2019
We are sorry to let you know that longtime devotee and Vedanta Society member Shanti Gail Dimitroff left her body on April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday, at her home in Mount Helix, surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband of forty-eight years, Tony Dimitroff, as well as four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Born on July 12, 1935, in Chicago, Gail’s family moved to San Diego in 1942. She attended Rosary High School. She was one of the first students at San Diego College for Women, now the University of San Diego, and went on to earn a PhD in Leadership and Human Behavior. A long supporter of women’s rights and issues, she chaired the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women in 1980.
Gail Dimitroff was longtime devotee and a pillar of the founding of the San Diego Vedanta Monastery, and became an inspiration to many. She received initiation from Swami Swahananda, and dedicated herself to the ideals of Vedanta. Shanti led a life of spiritual practice that extended to her other occupations. She assisted in the various activities of the Monastery including pujas, women’s workshops, and talks. Known and deeply loved for her commitment to world peace, Gail promoted programs such as the Women PeaceMakers Program, through which she invited inspiring women from all over the world to speak at the Monastery. She was the epitome of a real humanitarian. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 12 at 11 am at the San Diego Monastery.
