Obituary of Lois Gillespie

Lois was born in Lamont, Alberta, November 25th, 1930 to her parents, Martin and Ella Christensen. Very early in her life, her family moved to Camrose, which was home for her as she grew up and went to school. She graduated from the Camrose High School (now Charlie Killam) and went to work for Calgary Power in 1948. She worked for them for five years until November of 1953 when she married Don Gillespie. The first two years at Holden, Lois did work outside of the home, but when their family began to come along in September of 1955, when Pat was born, Lois stayed home to look after her. When their daughter Barb was born in 1958 with some special needs, Lois got involved with the Camrose and District Association for the Mentally Handicapped, and served for a period as their president. Lois was also very involved with Barb in her schooling and spent a lot of time with her at the Burgess School until Barb was able to go into the V.R.R.I. program and their group home in Calgary. Now, Barb is living on her own with a supportive roommate in Calgary. Lois was also very skilled with her hands, doing a lot of sewing and knitting. When her children were young, a lot of their clothes were the product of Lois' labours. She also liked to do petit point pictures. Lois, like Don, loved camping. "Let's just pack up and go!" She enjoyed travelling and seeing new sights, having new experiences. Like her husband, Lois also enjoyed fishing and gardening - activities that would take them outdoors and closer to nature. The fishing was special because they were outdoors, and even though they were often not successful in their catch, the pleasure was in being out there trying. Lois was a great reader. Reading light novels was an enjoyable pastime for her. She was very content to curl up with a good book for a few hours. She also enjoyed curling in a number of communities where they lived. But, most important of all for Lois, was her family - her husband and her children. Retirement gave Lois and Don time to be and do things together, including visiting their daughters. The family is remembered in our thoughts and prayers today…her husband Don, daughter Barb of Calgary, daughter Pat and her children, Tamara (Tammi), Daniel (Dan), and Brandi, of North Dakota. Lois was predeceased by her parents, brother Bill Christensen and sister Jean Clarke. A funeral service was held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. If friends and family so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Battle River Community Foundation or to the charity of one's choice.