GILLIAN LOUISE HANSON

(née Gunn) March 18, 1937 – March 14, 2025 With a profound sense of loss, we announce the passing of Gillian Hanson, who peacefully left us on March 14, 2025, just days shy of her 88th birthday. Born in Montreal in 1937, Gill's life was defined by her love of family. Beautiful, insightful, funny, clever, mercurial, energetic and devoted, Gilly, as she was affectionately known to her children, grandchildren and friends, was truly "one-of-a-kind" and will be remembered for her unfailing ability to find joy and laughter in life's small moments and for her resilient and adventurous spirit. As a young woman, Gilly's beauty turned many heads, but it was her daring spirit that most set her apart. Her zest for life and the lure of new adventures led her to employment opportunities in a range of far-flung locales, including Jasper Park Lodge, Frobisher Bay and Winter Haven, Florida, where she was a star attraction in waterskiing performances at Cypress Gardens. In 1958, Gilly met the love of her life, the incomparable Derek Hanson, at a cocktail party in Montreal. The connection was instant, and Derek was unable to stop thinking about the beautiful, funny and unique young woman he met that evening. A memorable courtship ensued, and they were married in 1961. Together, they had four children, David, Vicky, Geoffrey, and Christopher. In 1978, they purchased a property in Kennebunk Beach, Maine, which became Gilly's "happy place" and has been the home of countless family gatherings, celebrations and painfully detailed accounts of golf rounds played on the links at Webhannet. Derek's untimely death in 1987 was a devastating loss. Gilly was a modest but capable athlete. She was a stylish downhill skier, but had little patience for cold rides on a chairlift. She also had a fascinating relationship with the game of golf. While on the one hand she had great respect for the sport, she was annoyed by any course featuring long holes and limited water hazards or other visuals she found pleasing. Playing the lengthy par 5 fourth hole at Webhannet Golf Club one day she commented, "I've always thought this would be a nice place for a park." Gilly was a fiercely devoted mother who cherished her children above all else. She steered the family through the challenges of Derek's illness and then death with courage and poise. When it came to her kids, she was always in the ready position. No burden was too great in the support of her children's pursuits; she was a strong advocate for Geoffrey and tireless in helping him reach his potential. She was also the fun-loving grandmother who would happily launch into a competitive game of canasta and laud any player able to score a coveted "clean canasta." Gilly had a gift for finding joy in the smallest of things. Whether she was tending her gardens in Kennebunk Beach, arranging a stunning bouquet of freshly snipped hydrangeas or discovering humour in something silly, she found pleasure in life's everyday moments. She had an eye for vintage treasures, and her love of hunting for the perfect piece of furniture or decor was one of her many passions. A lively and gracious host, she enjoyed having friends and family for small cocktail parties and dinner gatherings, often serving her famous chicken salad. Life threw its share of challenges her way, but she faced each one with strength, resilience and unwavering zeal. In her later years, Gilly found peace and contentment at The Waldorf, where she was lovingly cared for and celebrated as a favourite resident. The family is eternally grateful for the many visits David and Gilly's caregiver, Angela, had with her during this time. Gilly will be deeply missed by her children, David, Vicky (Martin), Geoffrey, and Christopher (Danielle); as well as her grandchildren, Katharine, Alexandra (Marshall), Rebecca, Nicholas, Alyssa, and Matthew. Her legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will continue to inspire all who knew her. A private celebration of Gilly's life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations dedicated to Gilly's memory be sent to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.