Obituary of Ethel Irene Gilliland

GILLILAND, ETHEL IRENE – Ethel, age 93, passed away peacefully at North Lambton Lodge in Forest on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Born at Birnam, Ontario, she was the eldest child of Frederick G. Cable and Annie I. (Stewart).  She is predeceased by her husband, Ernest (1996), and children, Robert (1956) and Stewart (2018) (Trisha).   Loving mother to Joan Tabbert (John), Don (Rosemary) and Ruth.  She is survived by her sisters Freda Ticknor (late Ken), Elsie Berdan (late Ron) and Jean McLeod (late Ron).  Loved grandmother of Tony (Tiffany), Rebecca (Tom), Amy (Jeff), Ashley (Tyler), and Brett (Phoebe).  Doting “Great-Granny” to Alex, James, Leah, Anna, Brooklyn, and Sullivan.  Her grandchildren recall happy times with her, playing games where “they laughed until they cried.”  Godmother to Julie Van Haefton and ”Mrs. G.” to Julie’s siblings Monique, Nicole, Christine, and Michelle.  She enjoyed spending time with her nephews, nieces and special friends –Marj, Margaret, Louisa, Sherry, Norm and others over the years. Ethel was a life-long farmer and gardener who loved the outdoors.  She could often be found enjoying the evening breezes and watching as the day wound down to dusk.  She was an avid quilter, enjoyed needlework and embroidery, and preserving homegrown fruits and vegetables.  Her tremendous memory of family relationships made her a “go-to person” for those interested in ancestry.  She was known for her good nature and lovely smile over recent months during her time in hospital and the long term care home.  

“…Each time that you smile, you will find it true, 

Somebody, somewhere will smile back at you.

And nothing on earth can make life more worthwhile,

Than the sunshine and warmth of a beautiful smile.” H.S. Rice

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Forestview Villa Seniors' Apartments, 41 Morris Street, Forest, Ontario, on Monday, August 19, 2019, from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm.  Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Red Cross.  Online condolences may be left at www.forestfuneralhome.com  Funeral arrangements entrusted to DENNING'S OF FOREST