Florence Gillingham

GILLINGHAM Florence B. (nee Tilley/Wilson) It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our mother, Florence B. Gillingham (nee Tilley/Wilson). Mom leaves us to reunite with her first husband Bill “Speck” Wilson who died in 1967 and her second husband with whom she created a blended family, Harold “Jack” Gillingham who died in 2015. Florence will also be reunited with her parents David and Jessie Tilley; sister Joan LeClair; brother David; brothers-in-law Hal LeClair and Ted Barnes; sister-in-law Elizabeth Tilley; as well as other members of the Tilley, Wilson and Gillingham families. Mom was born in St. John’s and spent every summer in Kelligrews. She moved to Kelligrews in 1984. In 2016 she moved to Sylvan Lake, Alberta where she resided until her passing. Mom grew up surrounded by much love, laughter, and music. Some of her favourite things to do were playing the piano, travelling, a good game of growl and chocolate. Mom loved to entertain and anyone who entered her home was welcomed with loving arms and treated as one of her own. Mom was a wonderful friend, compassionate caregiver and the glue that held us all together. Some of the affectionate titles she had were Mom, Nanny Ham, Fluff, Flossie, Mudder, Florence, and Wow. She was loved by one and all. Left behind with beautiful and cherished memories her children David “Skip” (Dot) Wilson, Marilyn (Richard) Tucker, Elaine (Albert) Legge, Wenda (Bruce) Crummell, John (Linda) Gillingham, Karen (George) Miller, and Rae-Anne (Robert) Ornella; grandchildren to Nanny Ham are Cherie (Paul), Greg, Adele, Michelle (Danny), Denise, Rick (Danielle), Andrea (Tracy), Carolyn (Paul), Kelly (Brad), Leyna (Brandon), Angela (Keenan), Jessica (Matt), Marcus (Delainey); brother Bruce Tilley; sister Daphne Barnes; sisters-in-law Betty (Clar) Eddy, Donna Wilson; brother-in-law Greg Russell; a large circle of nieces and nephews; special lifelong friend Teresa Lawrence and her amazing card club. If you were lucky to have known Mom, you knew you had a friend for life. A very special thank you to Compassion Care of Red Deer, especially Jackie, Frances, Krista and Sarah who took exceptional care of our mother and made it possible for her to remain at home. Resting at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue on Friday, October 23rd from 2-4pm & 7-9pm. Funeral service will take place at Barrett’s Memorial Chapel on Saturday October 24th at 2pm. The funeral service will be livestreamed for those wishing to attend virtually. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or a donation in Mom’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To view online guestbook or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.barretts.ca