MCC Daily Tribune

Professor Emerita of Dental Hygiene Kjellaug "Chell" Gilda, DMD

The family of Professor Emerita of Dental Hygiene Kjellaug "Chell" Gilda, DMD recently notified the College of her passing on November 13, 2020 at the age of 98. Per Dr. Gilda's wishes, there was no service and her internment was held privately (obituary).

Dr. Gilda was predeceased by her husband J. Edward Gilda, Jr. DDS, and son, Edward. She is survived by daughter, Katherine Gilda and son-in-law, Thomas Suter of Honeoye Falls; two granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Svanhild Fidje of Norway and many beloved nieces and nephews in her native Norway and the U.S.

She earned her undergraduate degree from the Firda College & Secondary School in Norway. Per her obituary, "At the end of WWII in 1945, she was one of twenty men and women selected by the Norwegian Dental School for admission to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston" where she earned her doctor of dental medicine degree in 1949.

In addition to her private practice, Dr. Gilda was the founding chair of MCC's Dental Hygiene program. She inspired MCC students and colleagues for 46 years between 1964-2010.

Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and colleagues.

Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
11/23/2020