Geraldine (Gerry) Beatrice Gillespie
Geraldine (Gerry) Beatrice
Gillespie, 88, of Moncton NB, passed away peacefully at home,
surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 14th. Born in Trenton, NS,
she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Theresa (MacDonald)
Morrison.
Gerry
graduated from Saint John’s Academy in New Glasgow, NS and
then went on to Teachers College. She was a woman of great Catholic
faith. She lived life to the fullest as she devoted her time to
serving others. Gerry was an active member of churches in both the
Moncton area and in Cornwall, Ontario. She served in a variety of ways
as she taught catechism, led study groups, conducted the
children’s and adult choirs, and organized fundraisers and
celebrations. She served on the executive of the Catholic
Women’s League, was a member of Theresians International, a
founding member of the Engineer’s Wives Association, and was
also active in the local Soup Kitchens. One of her most memorable
moments was shaking the Pope’s hand at the Moncton Cathedral
which she described as a great honour.
Gerry loved to play Bridge and was
always willing to share her enthusiasm for the game by teaching others
to play. She also loved sports, especially basketball and tennis. She
played on recreational teams well into her 50’s. She
coached, volunteered and supported many of the community and sports
organizations that her children were involved in. Gerry was admired
for her unwavering commitment to freely giving of her time and
talents. Music was her passion and most importantly, in her later
years, became her solace as she battled with dementia.
Ron Gillespie, her husband of 63 years was the love of her
life and her family was her pride and joy. She instilled in her
children strong values that continue to serve them well. She valued
and advocated for bilingualism as she enrolled her seven children in
the French school system. She learned French alongside her children as
she supported their learning, and later pursued French courses at UdeM
and NBCC. Her quest for learning was inspiring. She believed that as
long as the want and the willingness to learn was there, you could do
anything. She led by example and encouraged her children to never
settle for less than their best. Her door was always open and the
kitchen table was a gathering place for so many neighbours, family,
and friends.
Gerry leaves behind to
celebrate her life; daughters, Terry Morrissey (Alf), Kathy Goobie
(Matt), Ronda Mann (Mike) and Pam Wilson (Mark), all of Moncton; sons,
Charles Gillespie (Kim) of Grand Lake NS, Stephen Gillespie (Cindy) of
Edson AB and Paul Gillespie (Melody) of Sylvan Lake AB; grandchildren,
Chris Morrissey (Jaime), Mark Morrissey (Kerry), Karrie Rushton
(Derek), Kelsey Goobie, Ryan Goobie (Vanessa), Kristen
Gillespie-Purtell (Daniel), Chris Gillespie (Tristyn), Emily Mann
(Norm), Marissa Mann, Thomas Mann, Patrick Mann, Sophia Gillespie,
Morgan Gillespie, Mary-Madison Gillespie, Molly Gillespie, Katelyn
Wilson and Cameron Wilson; great-grandchildren, Kassandra and Tyler
Morrissey, Jack and Harper Rushton, Lennen and Lincoln Goobie, Brynlee
Bain and Beckham Doebele. She is also survived by her sister, Carmel
(Anthony) Agar, Dominica, West Indies and sister in law, Theresa
Gillespie (late Charles) along with many nieces and
nephews.
In addition to her parents,
Gerry was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Ronald C.
Gillespie in August 2019, sisters: Sister Mary Morrison CND, Sister
Mildred Morrison CND, Winnifred (Gerry) Druhan, Anita (Bill) Landry,
Beatrice Morrison, Blanche (Peter) Tomney, Shirley (Jim) Morris, and
brothers; James (Marion) Morrison, John Morrison, and Austin (Gizel)
Morrison; sisters in law, Patricia Connors (Ralph), Dorothy Gaffney
(Edward) and Sheila Vandenburg; and brother in law, Charles Gillespie
(Virgina).
The family is forever grateful
for the wonderful caregivers who have provided excellent care and
support. We would also like to thank Dr. Julie Arseneault and the
Extra-Mural team, who’s professionalism and compassion were
beyond expectation.
A graveside service in
celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at a later date
when restrictions allow, with Father Allison Carroll presiding..
Arrangements in the care of Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain
Road, Moncton (858-1995). Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary
Cemetery, Dieppe.
In memory of Gerry, donations
to a memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.
Online condolences for the family may be shared on Fergusons Funeral
Home Facebook page or at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
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2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Geraldine Gerry Beatrice Gillespie 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick