Nora Wightman Gilstrap Memorial Fund

Nora Wightman Gilstrap passed away unexpectedly on October 20th, leaving behind her husband Matthew and 11-month-old daughter, Piper. The cause of death was cardiac arrest related to Long QT syndrome. She is survived by her parents Alec and Kathy, sister Emily and her spouse and children.

This GoFundMe’s intention is to provide support for her husband, Matthew Gilstrap, and their daughter Piper.

Nora and Matthew first met in 2014 while living in California. They quickly connected over their love for music, recovery, and mutual interests. In 2018, they left California and moved to Ohio to be closer to Nora’s family. Later that year Matt and Nora married and purchased their first home together. To everyone’s joy, they welcomed their only child to this world in November of 2021 fulfilling Nora’s lifelong dream of becoming a mother.

Nora's passing was unexpected, but her generous nature was not in vain as she chose to be an organ donor and in losing her life, she saved the lives of 4 others. Her whole adult life was dedicated to helping others overcome addiction and trauma, the way she overcame her struggles in life, and went into the hereafter the same way.

As you may imagine, the loss of a partner is every husband's worst nightmare. Nothing will ever take the pain away; I am hopeful that with some community support the Gilstrap family can feel a sense of relief from some of the financial pressures they are facing. In Matthew’s own words, "I didn’t have any backup plans to be a single dad.”

Any funds raised will go directly to Matthew and Piper for personal expenses. All contributions will help in the intermediate term as he figures out what to do next for himself and his daughter.

Nora will be cremated with memorial details forthcoming. Services are tentatively set for 11/13 in Columbus Ohio.