GERTRUDE MARY GILLESPIE (WHITTINGHAM) -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GERTRUDE MARY GILLESPIE (nee WHITTINGHAM) 1906 - 2002 It is with regret and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gertrude Mary (Whittingham) Gillespie, formerly of Winnipeg, on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at Pinawa Hospital at the age of 96. Gertrude was born in the town of Stafford, Staffordshire, England and came to Manitoba in 1908 with her Mother and Uncle to join her Father who had settled here before them. The family lived in various places in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Gertrude left home at an early age to find work as a nanny and helper. She married Walter Stevenson in 1929 and resided in Souris, MB with their four children. In 1943, Gertrude moved to Winnipeg with three of her children and married Harry Allen who passed away in 1965. She married Donald Raymond (Tony) Gillespie in 1974 who passed away in 1980. During her early years in Winnipeg, Gertrude owned and ran Gerties Coffee Shop and worked at Rice Knitting Mills, Helmsdale Pharmacy, Tamblyn Pharmacy and Glows Pharmacy from where she retired in 1971. Gertrude was a life member of the Imperial Veterans Legion, Branch No. 84 where she spent many happy hours playing and running the Bingo and playing cards. She was also a former life member of the Royal Purple of Canada, Winnipeg Lodge No. 12. She has been a member of Crescent Fort Rouge United Church for several years. While living in Winnipeg, Nanny, as she was lovingly called by her family, enjoyed Sunday family dinners and especially the participation of her great-grandson Danny. She treasured receiving and viewing pictures of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and displayed them with much pride. If you were a member of our extended family, birthdays and anniversaries were always remembered with a specialized card. These events were important to her. Nanny was an avid Bingo player and loved word puzzles and playing rummy and cribbage. She played rummy right up until her death and took great delight in her many wins. The oldest of 13 children, Gertrude was predeceased by her parents, John and Gertrude; sisters, Violet, Beatrice and Peggy; and brothers, John, Bill and Albert. Two siblings died in infancy. She is survived by brothers, Henry (Brandon) and George (England) sisters, Pearl (Brandon) and Joyce (Onanole). Mom (Nanny) will be lovingly remembered and cherished by sons, Merrill (Ottawa), Delwyn (Vegreville) daughters, Arlene (Winnipeg) and Marilyn (Great Falls) daughter-in-law, Betty; son-in-law, Clifford; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She will also be remembered and missed by her many nieces and nephews: especially Joyce Durston and Doreen Grieve who were like daughters. Cremation has taken place with a private family interment to be held at Riverland Cemetery, near Lac Du Bonnet. A celebration of Gertrudes life will be held at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, Nassau and Wardlaw, Winnipeg, on Monday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pinawa Hospital, Box 2, Pinawa, MB, R0E 1L0; or Crescent Fort Rouge United Church Memorial Fund, 525 Wardlaw, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0L9; or a charity of your choice. Well miss you Mom (Nanny) SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or Man. Toll Free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2002