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Grace Gillard
March 21, 1915 - February 9, 2013
Tribute
Grace passed away peacefully on Friday, February 8, 2013, at the age of 97 (6 weeks short of 98). She was predeceased by parents, Milton and Bess Merrill; first husband, Lt. Cmdr. John L. Quinn; second husband, the Rev. G. L. (Lea) Gillard; and his daughter Marie Floyd.
Grace was born in Opportunity (Spokane) WA on March 21, 1915. She spent her formative years there and in Ottawa, where she graduated from Lisgar Collegiate. During World War II, she worked in a coding office in Ottawa, and then joined the WRCNS, serving at Gloucester, ON, and St. Hyacinthe, PQ. Following the war, she was the civilian manager of the government wireless station in Prince Rupert. While there she married John Quinn. His RCN service took them to Ottawa and then to Halifax, where they lived until John was killed in action in Korea.
In Halifax she later met navy chaplain, the Rev. Lea Gillard. After their marriage, they returned to BC and lived in Esquimalt until Lea retired. In 1958 they moved up island to Shawnigan Lake where Lea was called as pastor to the United Church. Grace was a devoted partner in her husband’s ministries.
Grace truly enjoyed living at Shawnigan Lake. For several years she worked in the bursary at the Shawnigan Lake School. She was active in the United Church and the Royal Canadian Legion. She was honored to serve as choir director of the Sunset Chapter of Eastern Star and one term as Worthy Matron. Besides her lifelong interest in music, Grace loved handicrafts, reading, and crossword puzzles. She was also an avid baseball fan. She found much happiness in her family and friends and will be remembered with love and affection.
Grace is survived by son Charles (Christine) Quinn of Apple Valley, MN; Lea’s children Howard (Loree) Gillard of Surrey and Elthea Dale of Qualicum Beach; and their families. She is also survived by cousins Nancy Feldkamp (Reno); Chuck (Barb) Every; and Bill (Norma) Every, all of Michigan.
Her family wishes to thank the staff of Harmony Healthcare and VIHA for many years of care and kindness to Grace.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: George A Godwin
Relation: Executive Canadian Forces Sailing
The Commodore, Executive and Members of the Esquimalt Squadron of the Canadian Forces Sailing Association send our condolences to the family of Grace Gillard. We are honoured each year to present the “Chaplains Trophy (Gillard Cup) in memory of G. Lea Gillard” for a long distance race among our members. This trophy was presented by Grace and family to our club in 1969 and is a prized award and everlasting memory for Lea and now Grace also. As we say in the sailing community we wish you “Fair winds and a following sea.”
From: Joan Lesley Clancy
Relation: A childhood friend of my Mother
In Loving memory of a kind and gentle lady. A lifelong friend of my Mother, Anne McPhail Moor who attended school in Ottawa with Grace. I am so glad my sister Barbara and I were able to visit in September, 2012. I said I would be back, even if it did take 40 years! Fond memories of your trip ‘Down Under’. So glad our paths crossed. Condolences to Family, Friends and carers.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
February 16, 2013
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Sylvan United Church
985 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road
Mill Bay, BC Canada
985 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road
Mill Bay, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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