Obituary for Natalie Teresa Gillies
Natalie passed away peacefully and soundly in her sleep on July 12. Our mom had a heart of gold full of love, care, and compassion for others. She lived her life with a spirit of song and dance. Mom loved nature and taught us a deep appreciation for the miracle of all God’s creations. Raised in Little Italy in a family of 7 siblings and surrounded by musicians, she was the singer amongst them all. This lead from singing as a child in her father’s barbershop with family and neighbours who gathered to play music on Sundays to a path of professional singing in various Toronto clubs and venues of the 1950’s. With her marriage to Bill Gillies, and the birth of her 3 children, Greg, Paula, and Robbie, mom chose to discontinue her career and devote herself to her own family, whom she cherished with all her heart. Singing remained alive in her spirit and at every gathering she was invited to share it. This is when her light shone the brightest!
Mom was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandson and through her loving nature treasured each with their own unique talents and spirit. Her legacy of wisdom, life’s lessons, values, and family heritage will live on in them. Mom exuberated pride for her children and grandchildren.
Mom thrived from meaningful connections with others and was fortunate to continue to experience this in her last year residing at Manor Village in London, Ontario. The pain she suffered from a concussion was lessened by the fun, laughter, activity, and social environment that nourished her.
Mom’s place at the family table will remain filled by her love, spirit, and the warm, joyful memories she leaves with us. Surely, she has found love and peace in the welcoming embrace of her family and close friends gone before her. No doubt she is singing and dancing with all her angels above.
Forever in our hearts - Natalie will be sadly missed by her children Greg (Lori), Paula, Robbie (Michele) and grandchildren Adam, Wesley, Vanessa, Jessica, Sarah, Grayson, Eleanor, great grandson Jax, and dearly loved niece, Janice.
Mom was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandson and through her loving nature treasured each with their own unique talents and spirit. Her legacy of wisdom, life’s lessons, values, and family heritage will live on in them. Mom exuberated pride for her children and grandchildren.
Mom thrived from meaningful connections with others and was fortunate to continue to experience this in her last year residing at Manor Village in London, Ontario. The pain she suffered from a concussion was lessened by the fun, laughter, activity, and social environment that nourished her.
Mom’s place at the family table will remain filled by her love, spirit, and the warm, joyful memories she leaves with us. Surely, she has found love and peace in the welcoming embrace of her family and close friends gone before her. No doubt she is singing and dancing with all her angels above.
Forever in our hearts - Natalie will be sadly missed by her children Greg (Lori), Paula, Robbie (Michele) and grandchildren Adam, Wesley, Vanessa, Jessica, Sarah, Grayson, Eleanor, great grandson Jax, and dearly loved niece, Janice.