Obituary of Hazel GILLESPIE

1950 – 2012 “Life is eternal; love is immortal; and death is only a horizon. And a horizon is nothing save the limits of our sight”. I have had a fabulous life! I am grateful to have been born into this world on October 25, 1950 by two teen-aged parents and, just 10 days later, to be adopted by Grace and Jack Gillespie, who became my parents until their respective deaths in 1971 and 1989. My life has been full of rich opportunities including a 30 year career at Petro-Canada where I met countless wonderful people who became life-long friends. My extended family includes my brother, stepmother May (an amazing 92 years young), her four children and their partners and children. During my multi-year cancer journey, I received love and support from so many people. There are more than 80 family and friends on my health update list–too many to mention individually but you all know who you are and that I love you and I’m grateful for your unending support and encouragement. I was relatively healthy throughout my cancer journey because of the prayers, love, support and encouragement from all of you. You’re amazing! Cancer brought many gifts into my life, including newfound spirituality (I was baptized in April 2011), new friends, reconnections with old friends, and a clear recognition of what is most important in life—family, friends, love, and compassion for each other. I have been the beneficiary of those gifts and I’m very grateful for that. Regardless of how long one lives, it’s important to live well, cherish every day, and be grateful for all of life’s gifts. I wish that for all of you who are reading this message. Remember, there is a unique light that connects us all, the children of God. Special thanks to Dr. Barbara Walley and her team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Patti Morris and staff/volunteers at Wellspring Calgary, the Palliative Home Care staff, Dr. Cummings, Dr. Falk, the caring staff at Agape Hospice, Pure North and my “A Team” of local Angels: my Higher Power, the pastors at Westside King’s Church, Judy McVean, Vicki Brown, Barbara Bishop and Christine Chin. Join us in a Celebration of Hazel’s beautiful life to be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Westside King’s Church (3939 69 Street SW, Calgary, AB) Pastor Bob Osborne officiating. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Hazel would appreciate, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Wellspring Calgary, 1404 Home Road NW, T3B 1G7, 403-521-5292 or Alberta Cancer Foundation c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St NW T2N 4N2, 1-866-412-4222. In living memory of Hazel Gillespie, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200