Obituary of Ann Elizabeth Gill

GILL – Ann Elizabeth (neeWytrykoz) April 10 1930 – August 16, 2007 It is with great sadness that Ann’s children announce the passing of Ann Elizabeth Gill of Calgary, Alberta (formerly of Dufresne, Manitoba), peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday August 16, 2007. She is survived by daughter Barbara Rublee (Brad) and grandson Dennis of Saskatoon, son David (Linda) of Peoria IL, daughter Patricia of Calgary, sisters Stella of Winnipeg and Marie (Lawrence) of Moose Jaw, brothers Peter of Yorkton, Mike (Carol) of Calgary, George (Anna) of Winnipeg, Lorne (Judy) of Kelvington SK, Arthur of Balgonie SK, and Will (Adele) of Cochrane AB, and many other relatives. Ann was pre-deceased by her husband Bernie, parents Michael and Annie, Brother John, and Sister Lee. Ann was born in Melville in 1930, the second oldest of 11 children, and the first to be born in Canada. She grew up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Ann graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1948 and moved to Winnipeg to start her career. While working for Holt Renfrew, she met her husband Bernie Gill and married on May 18, 1953 in Yorkton. Following the arrival of Barbara, Ann continued her accounting career with the DEW Line Company. In 1955 Ann, Bernie and Barbara moved to Saskatoon to pursue Bernie’s career. During the ensuing years Ann continued her career with Direct Home Furnishings, and gave birth to David and Patricia. In 1967, the Gill’s moved to Fort Richmond in Winnipeg. In 1994 they moved to their newly built house in Dufresne, Manitoba. Ann had a progression of accounting positions with J. H. Hecht Furriers, Price Waterhouse, Altman Green and Gamble, Sampson’s Marina and the Salvation Army, until retirement. Ann’s interest and passion in accounting continued after retirement with Tourism Manitoba, the Knights of Columbus Centre and several other contract assignments. After Bernie’s passing in February, Ann sold the house in Dufresne and moved to Calgary. Ann was extremely family oriented and had a kind and generous heart that endeared her to many people. Ann and Bernie opened their home to numerous family and friends during their 53 _ years of marriage. They also sponsored Ann’s second cousin from Poland and helped her get established and married. As well, they sponsored her brother and parents into Canada. Ann had many interests and was active in her community. In 1967 they built a cottage at Lester Beach that was the site of many enjoyable summers with family and friends. Her interests included cooking, entertaining, politics, bowling, curling, bridge, and hockey. Ann loved to travel and in the 1980’s was able to visit her parent’s homeland and meet numerous family members. Her travels took her to the United States, Bermuda, Jamaica, England, Ukraine, Poland, and several European countries. Ann was active in the Catholic Church, and was a woman of strong faith. One of her favourite memories was a trip to Italy in 1988, where she and Bernie were granted a private audience with Pope John Paul II. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff for the compassionate care given to our mother during her stay at Rockyview General Hospital. Prayers will take place on Tuesday August 21, 2007 at 7:30 PM, and a Mass of Christian Burial on August 22, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Calgary. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday August 24, 2007 at 9:30 AM at Mary Mother of the Church in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements in care of McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes (403) 256-9575.