Obituary of Gay Valerie BROCKELSBY

BROCKELSBY, Gay Valerie May 9, 1952 – East York, Ontario September 10, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta It is with deep sadness that the family of Gay Brockelsby announce her passing on September 10, 2015 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Gay is survived by her son Ryan, sisters Nancy and Susan and brothers Gerry and Tim and her seven nieces and nephews. Gay was born on May 9, 1952 with a congenital defect to her heart, resulting in inadequate circulation of oxygenated blood giving rise to the “blue baby” syndrome. This condition required two major heart surgeries one at age six and another at fourteen and would pose major limitations and challenges to her for her entire life. What Gay lacked in physical ability she made up in mental toughness, taking what life had dealt her in stride. In spite of her physical condition and the warnings of her heart surgeon, she accomplished what she considered her crowning achievement, the birth of her son Ryan. Gay was a kind and gentle soul and her time with us is a life’s lesson for all of us on how to deal with adversity, courage, humour, dignity and a determination to live life to the fullest. We love you Gay. God rest your Soul. Her family would like to thank Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto and in particular Dr. William Mustard (deceased) for giving Gay the opportunity to have a full life. We would also like to thank Dr. Nanette Alvarez, her cardiologist and Foothills Hospital unit #36 for the exceptional care that she received up till her death. We would also like to thank Rose Janzen for her help, love and friendship of Gay in her last years. A Celebration of Gay’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. at a family members residence. Forward condolences through . In lieu of flowers, Gay has requested that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 100, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, for the use in the area of pediatric heart disease research. In living memory of Gay Brockelsby, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.