Name: Memorial service for Ethel Patricia McGill
Start: 2016-02-13T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland

McGill, Ethel Patricia (Barr) 100 April 18, 1915 Feb. 03, 2016 Ethel was born to James and Nettie Barr in the St. Johns community of Portland. She was the elder sister of Betty and Gwendolyn and had an older brother, Mossom and a younger brother, James Donald. The siblings all preceded her in passing. She attended George grade school and graduated from Roose- velt High School in 1933. She married Donald McGill in 1936. While they moved to Beaverton in 1974, they continued to be active in the St. Johns community. Donald was owner of St. Johns Hardware founded by his father, Charles S. McGill, in 1908. Ethel worked in the family business over the years along with several of her children. She was active in the community and her church, having been a member of the St. Johns Christian Church since she was 10. She was on the Election Board, active in PTA, the St. Johns Heritage and twice, she and Don were grand marshals of the annual St. Johns Parade. Don passed away at age 95 in June 2010, after a brief illness. They enjoyed a lifetime of trips to the Oregon and Washington coasts, many cruises throughout the world, and rail and car trips throughout the U.S. Ethel celebrated her 100th birthday in April 2015, in Beaverton with family and friends. Ethel and Don had a daughter, Pamela Van Laeken (Richard, deceased); sons, Don Jr. (Jimmie), Robert and Patrick, who all live in the greater Portland area; granddaughters, Kristan Thorne (Mike), Megan McGill and Kelley McGill; step-grandchildren, Brad and Brenda Van Laeken; step-great-grandchild, Ashton; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home followed by a private burial in Skyline Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the charity of choice. Please visit her memorial and guest book at: www.skyline memorialgardens.com.

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Published by The Oregonian from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ethel McGill

6 Entries

February 11, 2016

A lovely neighbor on N Central Street who was always a lady. She lovingly put up with all the shenanigans of us "neighborhood" kids. We all did finally grow up and she would be delighted in good spirits, now. Eternally she is Mrs. McGill.
Gloria Bouchor Luzader

"Megan and Grammy love life together"

Megan, MLP McGill

February 9, 2016

To my strongest elder. You gave me the greatest gift of empowerment and voice, to be strong in a world that silences through illusions. Thank you for believing in women. Thank you for believing in me and all the things I brought over to show you that I made. Thank you for telling me I was beautiful in my bodysuit and what I wore or made. Thank you for holding space to teach us the grace of death. Thank you for the sleepover and making noises that turned into a song that put me to sleep. Thank you for holding my hand through the night and protecting me all my life. I'm sorry if you were silenced in your life, I will never let your voice be unheard. You have made me stronger than I'd ever imagined. You're the most beautiful woman, and I cannot say how much I appreciate your advice; "If there's something tricky jus think, what would grammy do". Blessings, oh my heart.

Kelley and Grammy

Kelley McGill

February 9, 2016

Grammy was an inspiring women that raised me to put others before myself, stand firm in my Faith, and spread God's love wherever I go. Before I left for South Africa, I was able to visit her in the hospital and appreciate her beauty and life. Even to this day, she contained so much unconditional grace and love- it lit up the room. Regardless of how hard it was to leave that hospital room and hop on a plane to Africa, I was filled with so much peace knowing she would soon be with the greatest Father of all time. I am forever grateful for the life she has lived and the hundreds of lives she has touched. I pray that all of us will remember that she is still with us today, only looking down on us with her beautiful smile we all love. Additionally, I pray we all never stop celebrating the life that she lived here on earth. Lastly, I pray we are always thankful for the opportunity we all had to know such an inspiring, courageous, and life-changing women of God.

Fun with Grammy on Fourth of July!

Linda Keppinger

February 9, 2016

Ethel was a friend, mother and loving protector of her granddaughters. Her wit, intelligence and humor made it incredibly fun to be part of her life. Ethel's memories and the stories she shared will be cherished in our hearts forever. I will aspire to follow her example by keeping God and others at the forefront of my life. Thank you again Ethel for being such an amazing inspiration in our lives!

Andre Byrne

February 7, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family through this difficult time. I will never forget the funny stories that Pam always had about Ethel. The raking of leaves, riding the stationary bike at all hours and the best one yet was Pam finding the garden shears hidden behind her bedroom door. She was such an amazing lady. My family and I got the pleasure of meeting Ethel when she was first in the care home over a year ago. She had the most amazing stories of growing up. My daughter who is now 8 would always draw or color her pictures and one day Pam brought us a picture that Ethel had colored. We will cherish that picture for years. She lived a long wonderful life. Pam we love you and may you find comfort in knowing she is with your Daddy again watching over you and your family. Just remember she may not be here but she will always be with you in your heart. Andrea, Linda and Taylor

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