Obituary of Gillian (Jill) Mary WYATT (nee Canadine)

December 22, 1954 - Rotherham, South Yorkshire
October 16, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Gillian (Jill) Wyatt announces her peaceful passing on Friday, October 16, 2020 in Calgary, AB at the age of 65.  

Jill is deeply loved and will be forever missed by her Husband and Best Friend of forty years, Peter, Son, Adam (Cheylynn, Cara, Parker); Stepsons, Steward (Julie, Shaylene, Brandon), and Tim (Carin, Jodie, Lewis, Kiara, Falynn); Sister Margaret (Meg) Hazelhurst (Brian, Claire, Kylie); and Sister-in-Law Barbara Canadine. Jill will also be forever remembered by her extended family, nieces and nephews, and dear friends. Jill was predeceased by her parents, Florence and John Canadine; and Brother Alan Canadine.

Jill was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on December 22, 1954.  The family resided in the mining village of Dalton. Jill’s fondest memories were of her blind pit pony ‘Snowy’ her Father brought up from the coal mine; and her love of Track and Field at Thrybergh Comprehensive.  After graduating from school, Jill went to work with Mr. Wise, the local Chemist (Pharmacist).  Jill was always pleased with that experience she could read anybody’s handwriting.  Jill’s first encounter with Peter was at the Cross-Keyes inn where he was living. The site of him coming down the stairs with his afro and cheesecloth shirt made her say to herself, “I’m going to marry that man”. The feeling was mutual. In 1980, Jill followed her intuition and came to Canada to join the love of her life and from that day forth they have been inseparable.  On June 28, 1980 they were married in a small ceremony in their home and together, they built a life they loved.  In January of 1988 they were blessed with their son, Adam.  They were fortunate through their careers that they were able to travel extensively and even more so since their retirement. Jill loved enjoying the company of her many friends and building memories with her grandchildren.   

Jill excelled in careers as a Loans Officer in Banking (Credit Union), and an Administration Manager (Calgary Housing Authority).  Jill found her most gratifying role was working with the children in the special needs program as a teacher’s aide with the Calgary Separate School Board.

A Celebration of Jill’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Due to the ongoing pandemic, masks will be mandatory. Seating will be limited to 100 at the service; 50 at the reception.  While these are not the circumstances that we would like to celebrate Jill’s life, we will respect the guidelines given to us by McInnis & Holloway.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Trust – Foothills Medical Centre Palliative Care Unit 47, www.thetrust.ca, and Rosedale Hospice #1245 – 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195, https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/donatenow. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jill’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all Nurses, Health Care Assistants, and Aides, Dr. Lee-Ying, Dr. Sinha, Audra Arlain, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Foothills Medical Centre Palliative Care (Unit 47), Community Paramedics, and Rosedale Hospice.  A special thank you and deep appreciation for Dr. Susan Lea-Makenny. As an immigrant to Canada it should be noted that Jill was treated and exceptionally cared for by a diverse team of health care professionals of over thirty nationalities.

In living memory of Gillian Wyatt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.