Ethel Gillies
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Ethel Gillies. Ethel passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, November 21st at the age of 98 after a brief stay at Barrhead General Hospital.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Colin Gillies, her father Michael, mother Anna, sisters, Tina, Mary, Anne, Edna, Zannie, Nellie, Eva and her brothers Harry and Joseph. She is survived by her sons Neil (Carmen) Gillies, Roger (Carla Zubot) Gillies, her grandchildren Greg (Amanda) Gillies, Kevin (Christina) Gillies, Lauren Gillies and Keith Gillies as well as her great grandchildren Gavin, Henry and Lennon.
Ethel was born August 14, 1924. Like all ten children in her family, she was delivered by her father on the family farm in rural Saskatchewan near the village of Yellow Creek.
Her father passed away when she was only four years old and her mother, who never remarried, took on the monumental task of keeping the farm running and raising the family.
Ethel was very proud of her mother’s strength, perseverance, and courage and the example set certainly influenced her personality and values.
Barely out of high school, Ethel began teaching after a few short months of training at Normal School. Although she had aspired to become a nurse, World War Two created a great demand for educators so she answered that call. This was the beginning of a teaching career that spanned four decades and touched many lives until her retirement in 1983. By all accounts, Ethel was universally loved by those who were lucky enough to occupy a desk in her classroom. Former students recall her as a gentle and loving person.
Ethel loved to garden, paint, and play music. She played the mandolin from a young age and in her 70’s took up the violin. Along with her husband Colin, she was a member of the Barrhead community music group “The Senior Versatiles” and enjoyed performing for audiences both locally and in other communities. Ethel was active in the community as a member of the Royal Purple, Barrhead Community Theatre and with the Barrhead United Church.
As she aged, and her circle grew smaller, Ethel handled these transitions with dignity and grace. She was not given to complaining and remained strong and positive throughout all of the challenges life presented. Right up until her final days, she lived with kindness, gratitude and a song in her heart. She was a very kind, special and beautiful lady and we will miss her so very much.
The family wishes to convey their gratitude to the Homecare team, the staff of the Hillcrest Lodge, Barrhead Continuing Care Centre, Barrhead General Hospital, and Dr. Kent Bernes.
A memorial service is planned for December 14th, 2022 at the Barrhead United Church Chapel at 1PM. A luncheon will follow at the Barrhead Senior Citizens Centre.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Barrhead Continuing Care, The Hillcrest Home foundation or the charity of your choice.
