In Loving Memory of
Gillian Elizabeth Mackay
1946-2022
Obituary of Gillian Elizabeth Mackay
With her family around, Gillian passed away peacefully in her home, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the age of 75. Gillian was predeceased by her husband Allan Mackay. She will be sorely missed by her children Andrew (Carey), Catherine (David), Stuart, and grandchildren Cameron, Harrison and Bennett. Beloved sister of Colin, Iain, Lindsey, and special Auntie Gill to her nieces and nephews. Gillian will be lovingly remembered by the Mackay family, John Herd and by many friends.Gillian emigrated to Canada in 1977 with her young family. She spent many years living in Markham and moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake about 15 years ago. Throughout her life she worked in various administrative roles but her most favourite commitment was to being a mother to her children, who all meant the world to her. Gillian was a true lady in every way. She had impeccable taste for clothes and fashion, was quick witted, and enjoyed cooking, gardening and sewing. Her warm and engaging personality will be remembered by her family and friends, who she was fiercely loyal to. During her time in Niagara, she was a prominent figure at St. Mark's Anglican Church, and she built many wonderful friendships with people throughout the community.
A special thank you to doctors Levesque and Conan at Walker Family Cancer Centre, Bonnie at Palliative Care Niagara, Pam of Home & Community Care Support Services, nurses Helen, Juby, Paul and personal support workers, Ivy and Sarah for helping to keep our mother comfortable at home.
In accordance with Gillian’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905-354-2133). A memorial service honouring Gillian’s life will be held at St. Mark's Anglican Church, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Gillian would have appreciated memorial donations given to St. Mark's Anglican Church. Online condolences may be shared on Gillian’s tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.
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A beautiful lady, with the kindest heart. I will never again put on my pearls, without thinking of you Gillian. My sincere condolences to your family, and many friends. You will be sorely missed my friend.
Sincere condolences to Catherine and the family. Your mother will certainly be missed in our knitting group, though more laughing than knitting was the priority. Gillian was so strong throughout her illness and we were so in awe of her determination and cheerful nature throughout. She was beautiful inside and out and will be sorely missed.
Dear Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I had the honour and pleasure of getting to know Gillian during her years at St. Mark’s Church. To say how kind and generous she was towards each and everyone she met, would be an understatement. Gillian exemplified what it meant to be a true beauty, inside and out. She will be deeply missed by so many. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. May you be comforted as you go through this challenging time. With Love and Sympathy to you all.
Catherine and family, I am so sorry that your mother’s life ended so soon, it’s just not fair, but life isn’t fair sometimes. She was a beautiful woman that I had the pleasure to know for just a brief time, yet her impact on me was great. I can only imagine the amount of love and wisdom she bestowed upon you kids. May you carry her in your hearts until you meet again. Be comforted somehow, by all the prayers of the people who are holding space for you all at this time.
To Gill’s family:
We are heartsick and so sorry for your loss. I met Gill when we were both working at Markham Stouffville Hospital. We immediately became friends and had many fun times together. She and I were both starting over on our own and supported each other as we moved forward as single ladies. We always kept in touch and though we didn’t see much of one another after she moved away we always noted on how we just picked up where we left off whenever we did talk or meet. She was a remarkable woman of style and grace and never lost sight of that even through her illness. She always spoke of her family and how proud she was of her children and grandchildren.
Rest In Peace Gillian. You’ll be sorely missed.
Sending our condolences. Gillian was a very Special Lady.
Dear Steve and family,
Sending you hugs and support, she is always in your heart and will pop up when you least expect it.
Take care,
Dear Catherine and family,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Mother over the weekend. We are sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this time.
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Gillian who was the dearest of friends and a colleague at Markham Stouffville Hospital for many years. Poised, beautiful, articulate, gentle and kind, Gillian gave so much of herself to others especially those who suffered or needed assistance in any way. She was instrumental in building a department at the Hospital that stands strong today and serves Markham and its surrounding communities, and was instrumental in laying the foundational operational structures and frameworks that remain in place to-date. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life and for the difference her life made, and for all those precious years of her younger life that she so generously graced our lives here in Markham with. Her professional life was just one facet of her brilliant diamond. Gillian was elegant and graceful.She was the ultimate organizer of operations within a workplace, social events, her home, and her beautiful homes and gardens. She painted cascades of colour in the garden and had a way with plants and was so willing to share her knowledge and expertise with others. She was meticulous. Attention to detail was her hallmark. She was so proud of her family and about their life together, and I recall many a conversation of the many joys and deep love. She was the best of friends and a confidant in times of need and sorrow…….. someone who was always there……a safe place to fall for me and many others. I was honoured to have known her precious life and her memory will be seared in my heart and mind for my living days. Gillian is a gift that many will carry, myself amongst them. She defined elegance. She may have moved away from Markham, and now too early from life with us, but she will always be a constant part of many, giving truth to the saying “out of sight isn’t out of mind”. Rest peacefully my dearest friend. You graced this place and made it better. You are loved and I am forever grateful. In sorrow……
Dear Catherine and family,
We are so truly sorry for the loss of your mother. She raised an incredible daughter who inherited her style and grace. I will never forget you taking care of our boys the night my Mom passed and am forever thankful.
You are in our hearts.
Love, Mark, Kate, AJ and Christian
We have lost awonderful courageous lady She will be missed by so many