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NOREEN SHIRLEY GILLANDERS
Born: Mar 06, 1925
Date of Passing: Jan 24, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNOREEN SHIRLEY GILLANDERS
It is with sadness we announce the sudden passing of Noreen in her 99th year on January 24, 2025.
Noreen was born March 6, 1925, to John and Jean (nee Murray) McIntyre in Melfort, Saskatchewan. As she grew, her family lived in various towns throughout the province. She attended high school in Rosetown and earned a BSc in Nursing in 1948 at the University of Saskatchewan. Noreen worked in Edmonton at the University of Alberta Hospital until her marriage to the Rev. Richard Gillanders in August of 1953. After residing in Calgary, they moved with their firstborn to Yorkton. Noreen was a stay-at-home mom until moving to Perth, Ontario in the mid-1960s where she resumed full-time work as a public health nurse. With their next move to Winnipeg, in 1974, she returned as a Nurse to the wards at the Health Sciences Centre until she retired for good in the mid-1980s.
Noreen was a remarkable woman whose kindness, patience, and sense of humour touched everyone she met. A devoted wife and mother, she raised four children, all of whom earned university degrees. For over 60 years, she stood steadfast as a minister’s wife, projecting an image of grace and order while quietly holding everything together behind the scenes. Though her Sunday roasts were infamously dry - her baking was nothing short of perfection, with pies, cookies, and brownies that were the stuff of legend. Her home was always filled with fresh flowers and music - Noreen played the piano masterfully (but only in ‘ragtime’).
Noreen’s warmth, goofy sense of humour, and incredible spirit shone through in everything she did. She was always game to romp with her grandchildren, was the first one into the pool, and even led a conga line around a cruise ship in her 70s. She worked to help Iranian refugees settle in Winnipeg and lent her time to her church in countless ways. She cared for her husband as he faced Dementia, keeping him in their home until he was 92.
Noreen embraced life with resilience, humour, and boundless love. Her legacy is one of strength, compassion, and unyielding joy - a true reflection of a life well lived. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.
Her husband predeceased her in 2021 but is survived by her two brothers, Robert John (Marilyn) and Murray James (Sharon) and their families, her four children, Cathy, Bill (Diane), Jeanne (Mark) and Colleen (Robert), along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A warm and special thanks to all the professional staff and caregivers she required in her final years of life.
Funeral service will be held on what would have been her 100th birthday, Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 61 Picardy Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A reception will follow the service.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Dear Cathy, Bill, Diane, Jeanne, Mark, Colleen, Robert and extended family. My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Such lovely pictures and a beautiful summary of your amazing mother. I have such warm memories of Noreen as a young girl and Jeanne's friend, when you lived in Perth. She was, and must have felt like, a second mother to me, as I was at your home more than my own. There was never a dull moment at your house and your mother was always there to help us achieve every adventure we conjured up and there were many! When I reflect on those days, I don't know how Noreen managed to fulfill all the roles she did. And, as you noted, she did so with such seeming ease, patience and grace even during a crisis, such as when a slice of birthday cake did not include a coin wrapped in wax paper. Yes, that was me! Your mother could always find a solution to every problem and quickly! While cleaning out my basement recently, I came across a somewhat worn, stuffed donkey that had started out as my sewing project for the Perth fair. It brought back such special memories for me. Noreen encouraged me to learn to sew. While the results of my labour missed the mark just a bit, your mother discretely saved the day by restoring the donkey to its intended form. I remember the excitement of entering the contest and think Jeanne and I both won a prize or ribbon for our exhibits. Your mother was very special and giving person who brought love, encouragement, kindness and laughter to so many people. May your memories of Noreen give you much strength and comfort at this difficult time. My thoughts are with all of you. Sincerely, Laurie Elliott - Posted by: Laurie Elliott (Family friend) on: Mar 05, 2025
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Condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Noreen Gillanders. It sounds like she was an amazing lady. Having reached 99 years of age and well into her 100th year, surely she will be missed by many. Right out of college in 1984, I worked as a computer technologist on the test floor at Sperry Univac/Unisys/Lockheed Martin, a big defence contractor, and I recall there was a Bill Gillanders at the plant, I believe he was an engineer. Maybe this was his Mom. I'm sorry for your loss. Your memories will help keep your Mom always near. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Bradley Pisiak (sender of condolences) on: Feb 06, 2025
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Jeanne, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She sounds like such a lovely woman who lived a great life. May your good memories of her help you through this period of sadness. - Posted by: Patricia Kuz (Friend & former work colleague) on: Feb 01, 2025