- The Carillon Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
GRACE PAULINE GILLESPIE
Date of Passing: Jun 26, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGRACE PAULINE GILLESPIE
It is with deep sorrow that we share news of the peaceful passing of Grace Pauline Gillespie, aged 82, on June 26, 2025, at St Boniface Hospital. As she was in life, Grace was surrounded by the love of her family.
Grace was predeceased and welcomed to heaven by her parents, Brigadiers Ivan and Mabel Jackson, her beloved brother Glen and her little sheltie dog Boo.
She will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her husband of 58 years William J. (Jack) Gillespie; and her children Jackie (Scott), Caroline (Andy) and Roger (Megan). Grace was immensely proud of and had a special love for her ten grandchildren: Courtney (Steve), Jessica (Joe), Tyson (Erin), Jacqueline (Will), Aiden, Asher, Sullivan, Scottlyn, Foster and Winslow. Her memory will also live on with her precious great-granddaughters June and Annie. Grace will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters Lillie (Terry), Rose (Tom), and sisters-in-law Mary (Ray), Lily and Sheila, along with her nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Grace was born in New Westminster, B.C., and as the child of Salvation Army officers, she lived and was educated in many cities across Canada. Her childhood was full of love and many family adventures. At the age of 17, she entered the Salvation Army training college in Toronto and after graduation was assigned to a Children’s home, where she had a positive impact on so many young lives.
Grace eventually made her way to Winnipeg and in May of 1966, went on a blind date with a young man named Jack and she never looked back. Grace and Jack were married one year to the day later, on May 6, 1967. They were true partners in every sense of the word for 59 years.
Together, Grace and Jack raised their three children in the Charleswood suburb of Winnipeg and planted deep roots. As a child who did not live in one place for very long, it was very important to Grace that her children grew up with a strong sense of community and a stable school environment where they could make lifelong friendships. This wish was realized, and now two more generations are laying down their own roots within the community Grace loved so much.
Grace was a born salesperson and enjoyed much success in direct sales, first with Tupperware and then as a Real Estate Agent/Broker in a career that spanned 25 years. After her career in real estate came to a close, Grace took on various roles in Elections Administration, serving as the Returning officer for Elections Manitoba in the Charleswood ward, as well as a consultant/communicator in Ottawa for Elections Canada. She truly thrived in these post-retirement roles.
Grace was an avid gardener and took such pride in her beautifully curated and maintained back yard and garden. She never walked past a weed that she didn’t stop to pick.
Some of Grace’s favourite things in her retirement were the wonderful winter months spent with Jack in Texas and later in Florida with visits to their lifelong friends Barb and Wayne. These were truly happy times for her. Grace loved to travel and loved to have fun. She was so funny, incredibly straightforward, loved a good joke and was by nature a happy person. People were drawn to her warmth and genuine personality. She was truly one of a kind.
Grace’s family would like to express deep gratitude to the “Angels” working on the 5th floor in the Cardiac ward at St. Boniface Hospital, who treated Grace and our family with such kindness.
In memory of Grace, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army, or The Winnipeg Humane Society.
A memorial service for Grace will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Winnipeg on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Mom, we will always feel you near and will find comfort in the chickadees, fireflies, pelicans, flowers and little spring fawns. Love you forever and ever.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2025
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
-
So sorry to hear about Grace. We had wonderful talks at Toastmasters. May she rest in peace! Mary Ann - Posted by: Mary Ann Novak (Friend thru Toastmasters.) on: Aug 20, 2025
-
So very sorry to hear about Grace. I knew her many years ago in Brandon and she babysat my kids. Her parents were my officers at the Brandon Corps. She was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. I always remember seeing her at The Salvation Army Heritage Park at Christmas time. We always had a hug for each other.May God comfort your family in your time of grief. - Posted by: Audrey Simpson (friend) on: Jul 30, 2025
-
Hi Jack, Bea and I were sorry to hear of Grace's passing. We are thinking of you and your family at this time. A sad time, but so much to celebrate with Grace's life well lived. Best wishes from Bea and I and your Toastmaster friends downunder, Gavin - Posted by: Gavin Blakey and Bea Duffield (Toastmaster friends of Jack) on: Jul 23, 2025
-
May she rest in peace. Don - Posted by: Don Kuryk (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2025
-
Our deepest condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. - Posted by: Diane and Dale Kasur (Friends) on: Jul 13, 2025
-
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Grace so sorry for your loss. Jack, Jackie, Caroline, Roger and immediate family members Lorna Bound - Posted by: Lorna Bound (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2025
-
Dear Jack and Family, Cousins Lillie and Rose. We are a saddened to hear of Grace's passing. I have many memories of family times and visits with our families over many years gone by. It is good to know within our hearts that she Love the Lord and is in His presence. Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely. David and Joan Weddell. - Posted by: David Weddell (Cousin) on: Jul 08, 2025
-
We are very sorry to hear of your loss and send warmth and strength to the family. We are so honoured to be named in this passage. - Posted by: Sharon Rubel/Winnipeg Humane Society (Grateful Charity) on: Jul 08, 2025
-
Dear Jack, Jackie, Caroline, Roger and families, We are saddened to hear of Grace's passing but certainly know she was well loved. We first met Grace at a Toastmasters' convention and were immediately impressed with her wit and charm. Every time we were together, we enjoyed lots of giggles and happiness. Although we haven't seen the Gillespie's for several years now, we remember lots of fun times and laughs that we enjoyed so much during the early 1990s. Whenever we think of Winnipeg, we think of Grace and Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hugs, Neil and Jean - Posted by: Neil and Jean Wilkinson (Toastmasters International executive with Jack and friends to both) on: Jul 06, 2025
-
As a friend of Jackie’s in junior and high school, many a day and night were spent at the Gillespie’s. Mrs. Gillespie always made us feel welcome, and I remember her as a soft spoken, kind, funny mom. And she was cool. She introduced me to Gunny, who helped us with a few real estate transactions after Grace retired. I’m so very sorry for your loss. The memories will keep your mom close to your hearts forever. - Posted by: Kim campbell (High school friends with Jackie and Caroline) on: Jul 05, 2025
-
I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Gillespie's passing. The Gillespies were our first neighbors when we moved to Charleswood, and I have such warm memories of those early years. Mrs. Gillespie was always so kind, gracious, and welcoming, the very definition of a wonderful neighbor. Even after the family moved from our street, her kindness and support never wavered. She and the whole family stayed connected with ours, always showing such thoughtful support for my parents and their restaurants. My heart goes out to Mr. Gillespie, Jackie, Caroline, and my dear friend Roger, and to all the extended Gillespie family during this difficult time. Sending love and deepest condolences to you all. - Posted by: Pino Cutrone (Family Friend) on: Jul 05, 2025
-
Jack, I was saddened to read about Grace’s passing. Met Grace when I first volunteered to enumerate for her and work the subsequent election. Over the years our paths crossed at quite a few elections after that. Wonderful person to work for and with. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. - Posted by: Richard (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2025
-
Grace saved my life. I was involved in a very tumultuous divorce struggling to leave Winnipeg with 3 small children when Grace called to tell me that she was retiring and would like me to care for her clients. Her kind gesture and faith in me as a realtor got me back on my feet and eventually able to buy a wonderful home for my family. I was able to help many of her clients buy homes and continued to have a relationship with her for years. She was a wonderful woman. I'm very sorry to hear of her death. - Posted by: Gunny Tennese (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2025
-
Jack, so very sorry to hear about Grace’s passing. Thinking about you and remembering Grace by your side at many fun times in Toastmasters in the 80s and 90s. - Posted by: Shelley Morris (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2025
-
So sorry to read about Grace passing. We worked together in real estate especially at Coventry. Grace was always so kind and FUN. Great memories. Condolences to you all. - Posted by: Brigitte DeLeeuw (Co-worker) on: Jul 05, 2025
