Anne Gillingham (nee Kolynchuk), of Newport, N.S., passed peacefully, in her 87th year, on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Windsor Elms Village in Falmouth, N.S. after a very brief illness.
Mrs. Gillingham is survived by her loving family, husband of 62 years, Donald E. Gillingham; daughter, Donna Lynn Hewitt; son, Don Gillingham; granddaughters, Jackie and Cathy; and son-in-law, Brittany Hewitt.
She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Polly Kolynchuk; brothers, John and Frank Kolynchuk; sister, Lily Hromek; and her beloved son, Clark Allan Gillingham.
Anne was born in Fort Frances, Ont. and spent her formative years there and in Mine Centre, developing a love for the Ontario Northlands.
She moved to Sudbury, Ont. after high school and went to work for Loblaw’s. At Loblaw’s in St. Catharines, Anne met her future husband, Don.
Anne married Don in 1954 and together they resided in St. Catharines until retirement, when they returned to Mine Centre.
During her retirement in Northern Ontario, Anne spent much time with her beloved nieces, Kathy McConnachie, Sal Beck, Rose Beck, and Laura Lockman.
Anne loved spending time with Frank’s daughters and in her heart she held room for five daughters, not one.
Later in life, Anne (and Don) moved to Nova Scotia to be near son, Don, and granddaughters, Jackie and Cathy. She loved being near her family and enjoyed the Nova Scotia birdlife and the puppies Don and his family breed.
Anne learned three languages in her lifetime, but her most amazing talents were as a loving wife, mother, and friend. Her smile was infectious and her door, her heart, and her kitchen were always open to family and friends, whether they needed a smile, a meal, a card game, or a glass of wine (or two).
Anne was much-loved and forever will be in our hearts and our memories.
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