Obituary of Florence Margaret Gillis

Florence went to be with her Lord on November 10, 2008 at home, surrounded by family, as she wished, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mom had a deep commitment to her siblings and their families. Most of her nieces and nephews lived with Auntie Florence at some point in their lives. A total of 39 young people – not all family – were taken in and cared for by mom. She spent 20 years as a volunteer with the Calgary General and Peter Lougheed Hospitals, after working for 29 1/2 years in the General Hospital laundry. Mom gave generously to the homeless and made sure that anyone she heard was hungry was fed. She would deliver an anonymous order of groceries to their door-step. She also regularly paid her tithe, although not necessarily to a church. She donated the funds where she felt led to support, even though it did not necessarily result in a tax deduction. She attended the First Church of the Nazarene and Grace Baptist until she was unable to drive in her later years. Mom was known for her sense of humor and sharp wit. Halloween was a favourite time of year that she enjoyed as much as any kid. She loved to dress up and pull pranks on her friends and neighbors. She loved fun and games and added laughter to any family gathering (often from her “cheating“). Mom was very proud that her girls followed in her footsteps and now care for people in the community. She is a very hard act to follow.We would like to express our deep appreciation to all of mom’s neighbors, the Palliative Care Team, Dr. B. Liggett, and the Calgary Health Region for all of their care and support through this last difficult time. Florence is survived by her daughters and their families; Cathy Kennedy, Sharon Goerlitz and Teresa Fehr, all of Calgary; her grandchildren; Gaylene, Don and Greg Kennedy, Tracy Gillis, Ken and Troy Goerlitz (Tara-Lee), Travis and Tanis Fehr; great grandchildren; Kyle Thompson Kennedy, Breanna Kennedy, Landyn Fehr and Mackenzie Goerlitz; her sisters Violet Elson of Brampton, Ont., Laura Kelly of Calgary; sister-in-law Audrey Thulien (Bud) of Veteran, AB and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel, her parents Orval and Berndine; brothers Tom, Bill, Wes, Johnny, Earnest, Martin, Orval (Bay) and sister Vera Johnson-Loeppky. A Celebration of Florence’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Eastside Memorial Chapel (5388 Memorial Drive N.E.) on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., with viewing beginning at 2:00 p.m. Services will be officiated by Rev. James Clark of the Drumheller Church of the Nazarene. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Florence Gillis, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.