It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of May Gillis (nee Hanna) of Hinton, AB on Monday, August 1, 2016 , six days shy of her 82nd birthday on August 7 (1934). Some would say that she lived a long life, but it was not long enough. The cancer that gripped her body was sudden and fierce, and difficult to comprehend.
After the death of her husband, Robert (Bob) Gillis, in 1984, May moved to Hinton in 1987 for a period of six years while working at Acklands Grainger. She then intermittently worked in Devon, AB, Edmonton, AB and Rocky Mountain House, AB until settling once again back to the place she called home for the remaining years of her life. Once back in Hinton, May worked at the Rexall Pharmacy, formally Switzer Drugs, as a cashier until three months before she died. May’s work gave her a reason to get up in the morning. May was a private person in her personal life but each time that someone entered the store she was blessed to have them enter her life in a small way. She enjoyed the time that she could spend with these people and shared stories from her life with them.
Many of these stories were about her children and grandchildren. May could not hide the pride and joy that she felt about them and would share their comings and goings and their accomplishments with most people. She is survived by her children; Jackie Gulliford (Barry Hunt), Kevin Webster (Lynn Webster), and Laurie-Ell Bashforth (Merv Bashforth). Her grandchildren; Brandi Balfour (James Grates), Curtis Gulliford (Kristy Gulliford), Stacie, Dillon Webster, Gavin Hunt, Dustyn Hunt, Eliza Reid, Joshua Bashforth, Tyson Bashforth, and her great grandchildren; Chris (Laura), Bruce, JT, Valley, Ashley, Megan, Kaitie, Emma, Hailee, and Khalessie.
Her family is going to miss the little things; the cookies that were made for her grandson’s ski competitions, the lemon meringue pies at Easter and pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving, the warm knitted afghans that cover each of our beds, her comical confusion with her iphone, the cards for every occasion that say “Love Grandma”.
We will also miss the big things; her beautiful smile, her loving hugs, her humble kindness and heart of gold, her voice on the other end of the line, Christmas mornings and thoughtful birthday surprises.
God bless you, Mom.
Sweet dreams, Grandma.
We would like to thank those loving and gentle souls who cared for her in the hospital these last five weeks. With tender hands you nurtured our mother with dignity and respect. You combed her hair and you called her beautiful. You saw her light. With grateful hearts we say thank you.
A Memorial Open House was held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 between 2-4 pm at the Bashforth residence to gather with those that were touched by May’s kindness. A private family Columbarium Internment will be at a later date.
Donations in May’s name can be made to the Hinton Healthcare Foundation: Palliative Care Unit or Community Cancer Clinic #11 – 107 Swanson Dr. Hinton, Alberta T7V 1H1 to help continue with the excellent care that we receive in Hinton.
To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuenralhome.com
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