Obituary of Anna Lucille Gillespie

April 14, 1963 - Hawkesbury, Ontario

March 14, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce that Anne passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the age of 60 years. Anne was surrounded by loved ones and prayers at the moment of her passing.

Anne was born in Hawkesbury, ON, to the Labre family. One of fifteen siblings, Anne would often joke that her family was "half the population of a small town". Anne grew up on her family farm and towns surrounding the Hawkesbury area, with much of her early life spent helping take care of her younger siblings. In 1980, Anne and her sister Louise followed their older siblings and moved to the "big city", Calgary, AB.

Anne's proudest moment in life was when she became a mom, followed closely by when she became a grandma. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her children and grandchildren. Anne's love and compassion, not just for children, but for everyone around her, has given us many fond memories.

Anne's favorite times were those spent with her family and friends; whether it was laughing and joking around with Kelly, Sharon, Gayle, Annette, and the rest of "the girls" (and "boys") at work, family get-togethers and holidays, or just sharing a Pepsi and a chat with those that popped by for a visit. Anne loved to listen to stories, especially those filled with happiness and love that made her smile and laugh.

Anne enjoyed studying the Lord's word, nature walks, and watching her favorite television shows on repeat. She was always willing to help family, a friend, or neighbor in need, and would face any challenge, hand in hand, with her family and friends. Anne will always be remembered for her devotion and kindness for others, her one-of-a-kind friendship, being a treasured member of the family, and for her unwavering faith.

Anne is survived by her son Steven and stepdaughter Cara; her grandchildren, brothers, Maurice (Karen), Marcel, Richard (Kitty), George, and Gilles (Marie-Josee); sisters, Diane, Louise, Pauline (Yvon), and Francoise (Kiah); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Anne was predeceased by her husband Steve, her parents Ina and Osias, brothers Claude, Rheal, Jean, and Paul, and sister Denise.

The family would like to thank, with a heartfelt gratitude, the palliative team of professionals who made Anne's last few months comfortable, with special thanks to her caseworker Elizabetta, as well as the nursing staff at Unit 62 of the Foothills Medical Center.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Anne's Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Prairie Sky Cemetery.

If you wish to send only one expression of sympathy, please consider making a donation in Anne Gillespie’s honor to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, www.cancer.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Anne’s family here.

In living memory of Anna Lucille Gillespie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.