Victoria Gillies

August 9, 2021

It is with profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving and beloved Victoria Gillies at the age of 94 on Monday, August 9, 2021 at home.

She was predeceased by her husband Joseph; parents Nellie and Stanley Zakreski; daughter Mary; son James; brothers Orest (Norma) and Peter (Elaine) Zakreski.

Victoria is survived by her brothers Morris (Natalie) and Wesley (Sylvia); sister Elizabeth (Bill); daughters M. Louise (Walter Besler), Catherine (Jim Alfieri), Laurie (James Wright) and Ellen; grandchildren Gary (Teresa Roberts), Ana, John-Carlo, Thomas, Jesse, Marita, Joseph, Mathew and Claire; great-grandchildren Jack and Amelia; in addition to many nieces and nephews.

An artist and teacher, Victoria lived a full and active life. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League, Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers, Friends of the Mackenzie Art Gallery, a longtime supporter of the Regina Symphony Orchestra and Globe Theatre.

She was a beautiful, creative soul, lively and guided by unwavering devotion to her faith. Vicky loved a good adventure and learning something new, whether it was obtaining a degree or cycling the Gulf Islands. Her favourite pastime, if she wasn’t painting, gardening or enjoying collectible treasures, was sitting in her armchair devouring a good book.

In her words, she lived her life by five guiding dimensions - Spiritual, Family, Social/Emotional, Mental and Physical.

Many thanks to the amazing caregivers at Regina Palliative Care and Homecare.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. in St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, 1701 Cowan Crescent, Regina, Saskatchewan. You are invited to attend Victoria’s service virtually at: https://live.prairiewave.ca/victoria-gillies (a recording will be available for viewing for 90 days). Interment will follow in Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Regina, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers or a charity of your choice.

Messages of Condolence

Our sincerest condolences to Louise, Catherine, Laurie and Ellen; your partners, and your children. Your Mom lived a full and long life; you were so fortunate to have her well into her 90’s. We know you will miss her but she obviously left you all with a great example of a life well-lived.

- Roman and Anne Nemecek

Louise So sorry for your loss and Our deepest condolences to you, Wally and family during this time. I’m so happy I had the opportunity to meet your mother. She welcomed us into her beautiful home with open arms. May you find peace in the memories of your mother. Kim and Lou

- Lou and Kim

"A life well lived" describes Aunt Vicky. May you find comfort and support among family and friends. Our condolences to Louise, Catherine, Ellen, Laurie and Families. Jane Anne and Ralph

- Jane Anne Jacobson

I only learned about Vickie's passing yesterday, and am so sorry to have missed her funeral. I had tremendous respect and appreciation for Vickie and for the dynamic way she lived her life of so many varied interests in such a positive and enthusiastic way. I also had tremendous affection for her. Her spirit was exceptionally lively and warm, and I loved being in her company. I extend my sincere condolences to her family. She spoke of you all very warmly.

- Laurie Collins

Dear Laurie, Ellen and family, How sad I am to learn just this week of Vicky’s passing. She and I became friends at Deshaye School where she was a teacher and I was the secretary. We were competing then to see who could lose the most weight! Our friendship continued when we swam together almost daily for many years at the University of Regina pool (again, competitively, each of us tracking our laps!) We shared many stories of our families over coffees at the Stone’s Throw Cafe, she was so proud of all her family! I especially enjoyed hearing about her yoga trips and the adventures and accomplishments of Joseph. My sincere condolences. Maureen

- Maureen Ottenbreit

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