Obituary of GILCHRIST – Michele Sonja

October 19, 1965 – April 8, 2011 Michele Gilchrist, beloved wife of Grant Gilchrist of Okotoks, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2011 at the age of 45 years, after a courageous three-year battle with inflammatory breast cancer. Michele was born in Prince Albert and grew up on her family’s farm near Weldon, SK. She attended University of Regina, earned her accounting diploma in Moose Jaw and served as a talented and energetic bookkeeper, first for a large accounting firm, then for a number of small businesses in Ottawa and Calgary, and later for her church as a much-respected treasurer. Straightforward, practical, and cheerful, Michele instantly won the trust and friendship of those she met. Her smile would light up the room, and she smiled often. Her garden, her pets and handicrafts gave her much joy. She loved her family with a deep passion and taught them her values of Christian faith, truth, respect, hard work and compassion. We will miss her immensely. Michele is remembered by her husband Grant; son Paul; daughter Kelsey; grandmother Esther Poley; and parents Lyle and Darlene Poley. She is also survived by her sisters, Corinne Richmond (Kevin) and Kim Poley (Kelly Minisofer); brother Chris Poley (Kelley Nygaard); parents-in-law Eugene and Marion Gilchrist; sisters-in-law Donna Lindskog (Steven) and Bonnie Spruyt (Ken); brother-in-law David Gilchrist (Cassie); and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Michele’s life will be held at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour (8831 Fairmount Drive S.E.) on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Please forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Michele’s ashes will be scattered later this year at her beloved Candle Lake, SK. In living memory of Michele Gilchrist, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.