Mildred Mae Gillies

05/10/1929 - 11/03/2025

Mom passed peacefully, surrounded by her family at Hollyburn Care Center.
Predeceased by her husband John, sister Jessie-ann, and son-in-law Ross Rutledge. Survived by her children, Peter (Lori), Bruce (Sylvia), Nancy, Sue (Bruce); her 10 grandsons, Lucas, Tyler, Alex, Connor, Charlie, Nick, Fin, Oli, Eliot, and Felix; her brother John, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and family all over the world. A special thank you to our cousin Marian, who spent many hours visiting with Mom and Dad.
Mom was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, an older sister to her two beloved siblings, Jessie-Ann and John. As a result of her father dying due to complications from being gassed during the First World War and her mom having to return to her nursing career, Mom took on the role of responsible older sister at the age of 12. It was this responsibility thrust upon her that was formative in Mom's character development.
Mom moved to Vancouver and trained as a nurse under the direction of the nuns, while living in residence at St Paul's Hospital. Upon graduation, she worked at various hospitals before returning to Vancouver, where she met Dad. After having the four of us, Mom started back to work at Altamont Hospital a few evenings a week, before starting a full-time job with the Victorian Order of Nurses, which eventually transitioned to North Shore Home Care, where she worked until retiring. Mom loved her work, interacting with members of the community, and building and creating lasting friendships with the other nurses.
Mom met Dad while skiing on Grouse Mountain, and they married in 1956. They lived in several locations on the North Shore and briefly in Toronto before eventually settling in Dundarave, which Mom recognized as the ideal location to raise a family. We are eternally grateful for this decision. Mom valued family and friendships above all and was an amazing cook who loved to bring together family and friends at dinner parties in our home. She was incredibly loving and inclusive.
Mom and Dad's adventurous spirit took them hiking on the West Coast Trail, canoeing on the Bowron Lakes and the Broken Islands, and all sorts of wild adventures, which is even more surprising given that Mom could not swim. After retirement, they spent a lot of time golfing and travelling the world with friends. She had a zest for life that carried through her 96 years.
Mom had many friendships that she maintained and valued throughout her life, including two bridge groups that she played with for over 4 decades. Mom was compassionate, caring, and non-judgmental. Her positive outlook on life and humorous nature endeared her to all those she met, and she carried this with her right up until her passing.
Our friends and extended family would often find themselves seeking Mom out for a cup of tea and guidance. Mom loved being a grandmother and was tremendously proud of her 10 grandsons. Her only regret was that we had not produced a granddaughter!
As Dad passed away during COVID, we were unable to hold a service, so we take this opportunity to celebrate both Mom and Dad.
Celebration of their lives will be held at Gleneagles Golf Club from 2-4 pm on November 19.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Society of BC.