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Mary Josephine Gillen
January 17, 1923 - March 24, 2015
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Mary Josephine Gillen (née Hanley), January 17, 1923 – March 24, 2015
Mary was born in County Cork, Ireland, to parents Francis Hanley and Frances Harrington. She met and married the love of her life, Brendan James Gillen, who predeceased her March 26, 1991.
Mary leaves to mourn her five children Teresa, Brendan (Susan), Patrick (Kay), Roger (Andra) and Rosaleen (Doug), as well as 14 grandchildren Erin, Lisa, Conor, Christopher, Casey, Corey, Max, Noah, Elizabeth, Ashley, Ian, Declan, Melody and Raymond and seven great-grandchildren Michael, Brooklyn, Trenton, Joey, Syrah, Logan and Jasper.
You were a bright Irish lass
With ever so much class
You nursed during the war
And you did so much more
You were a mother of five
And a very devoted wife
You loved to travel, sing and read
You hadn’t an ounce of greed
You would pray every day
And knew the rosary to say
All the children, you celebrated
14 Grands and 7 Greats
You had a grand, long life
And are now out of your strife
We will love you to the end of our days
Until we meet again, in Heaven’s rays
“Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam” (May her soul be at the right hand of God)
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Darryl Jackson
Relation: family friends
I’ve been close to a good portion of her family for many years and in that time have gotten to know Mary fairly well. I always thought very highly of her. Every time I saw her she put a smile on my face. She had so much energy and light inside her. A very warm, kind loving person.
My deepest condolences to the entire family. She was a wonderful person, and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
From: Brenda Kirkham
Relation: Vrey dear friend .
Rose and all your family we have lost a very beautiful soul from this earth,but heaven has gained her beautiful soul.I shall always remember her,,such a great lady.
From: Andra Gillen
Relation: I am her daughter-in-law
Thank you for being a part of my life. It is still not real that you are gone. I will do as you asked, I will cry for you a little then I will laugh. I will look at the stars Orion’s belt and tell you stories. I love you. Not only was I lucky enough to be your daughter-in-law, we were friends.
I love you and will miss you
Andra
From: Kevin Barker
Relation: I'm a son of Mary,s paternal first cousin
Mary, my Mum always had such great stories to tell about you in her childhood and how she loved your Mum (her Aunty Francis) so much. About Bear Island and the trip accross, it was always so enchanting to me. When I finally met you, it was as though I already knew you. Of course there is much I don’t know but you had a way of making one feel immediatley well aquainted and at ease. You will be greatly missed by all. Thankyou for your final instructions. God Bless you. Kevin
From: Brenda Parrish
Relation: Family friend
My deepest condolences to Rose, Roger and the whole Gillen Clan. Mary (Mom) was a surrogate Mom to me in a time when I needed new direction in my life and she taught me humility and patience and even tried to teach me the rosary to this protestant lass with nothing but pure love. God bless you Mary and all the lives you have touched including mine. I am sure you were here with us all to ensure we all got it right. Until we meet again and have tea … and yes it was me whose fingers got in the butter… love and light and you would be in Dad’s loving arms now.. your surrogate daughter who you showed the road to adventure and how to believe in ones self. God be with you.
Remembered Joy
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
From: diane and silvio linuzzi
Relation: Mary, Ben and family were delightful neighbours.
Oh dear children: You had a great little mother and I will always think of Mary and her smile and the many laughs we had when we were neighbours way back when! Our deepest sympathy and love go out to you, dears. Love, Silvio and Diane and family.
From: Marje Girbav
Relation: Friends since Air Force days
Your Mom was my dearest and longest friend since we met at the air base in Fort Nelson. I will never forget the positive influence she has had on my life. Thank you, Mary. God bless.
From: Mary Barker
Relation: My father & Mary's mother are siblings.
As a child I looked forward to Mary’s visits to Grandma, most Sundays. We would watch the sea for the white caps which would mean that you probably would not come over from the island. We played on the strand & in the summer we would float out on the big oars. It’s a wonder we were not drowned. I never forgave you for growing taller the me. Mary you will always be close to my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless and love you. Mary (Harrington) Barker
From: Mary Barker
Relation: My father & Mary's mother are siblings.
My four sons, Ian, Kevin, David, & Stephen, want to send their condolence to your family. With much Love Mary Barker
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
March 28, 2015
Beginning at 10:00am
Location:
Church of the Asuumption
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
Prayers
Date & Time:
March 27, 2015
Beginning at 5:00pm
Location:
Church of the Assumption
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
7109 Glacier St.
Powell River, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Powell River Hospice Society.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Bloom Wildly
4712 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
604-489-3384
Nicole Quigley
5300 Yukon Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 4H4
www.bloom-therapy.ca
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