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Helen Gillrie

November 2, 2019

Helen Gillrie

Helen Gillrie resident of Surrey/North Delta passed away peacefully November 2, 2019 at the Surrey Memorial Hospital due to complications of a major stroke. Helen is survived by her three children, Cherie Johnston, Debbi Ritz and Richard Gillrie. One stepson Barry Gillrie. Nine grandchildren, Tanya, Michael, Brandi, Alexandra, Lindsey, Tammy , Darrell Clay and Todd. She is predeceased by her father John Quast her mother Annie Quast, her sister Millie Dick, her brother Richard Quast her husband George Gillrie. Her son Randy, her son Lawrence Gillrie her stepson Doug Gillrie, her son-in-law Brian Ritz and her great granddaughter Kaitlyn Ritz.

Helen grew up in the last years of depression and through the War Years in central Alberta and south-central British Columbia regions. In those years Helen worked at different jobs and then got into the hotel and restaurant industry. She then worked and managed several different hotels.

Helen was dedicated to her faith and worked tirelessly on many projects, Committees, missions and anywhere else the Lord guided her. Her work and commitment to the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship spans more than 30 years and has touched the hearts and minds of many. Always known as a no-nonsense woman that got things done, she was always up for anyone that needed her kindness, fairness and good Judgement.

To describe Helen Gillrie is to understand unconditional Love.

A celebration of life will be held for Helen at Trinity Lutheran Church located at 11040 River Rd., Delta BC V4C 2S2. The service is scheduled for 1 PM on November 8, 2019 with Pastor Jennifer Wilson resigning.

Helens wishes that any Donations or contributions be sent to or given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Samaritans purse at www.samaritanspurse.ca Thank you

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

 

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Messages of Condolence

Mom, you could not have been more of an inspiring women. Thank you for all that you have taught me in my life. You were so happy. Your mantra "Choose Joy, Get up every morning and choose to be happy." I think my Mother’s joy came from Grace. My Mother found Grace. She understood what God was saying. She got it. God’s light shone through her. That is what people were attracted to. Her light. She had found ultimate peace and grace and wanted to share it with all she met. You will be forever missed Mom Love Cherie ~ Cherie Johnston

Helen was absolutely a no nonsense kind of Lady. I always knew her to be a very kind hearted and a very hard working. She Loved her Family beyond words. She always opened her door and heart for all that need it. I will never forget how kind she was to me and all her words of wisdom. She will be missed by all that knew and Loved her. Especially her Family ~ Nancy Nielsen

My deepest condolences to your family ~ Donna Ritz

Sadly missing u helen...so gratiful i was a part of your sobriety for the last 16yrs...such a memorable part of my recovery. ~ Lu

My Aunt and my God Mom........your smile said "love" to everyone you gave it to. Til we meet again. ~ Rick Quast

Helen u were such a inspiration to me , u taught me how to embrace the Lord an guided me through many other life challenges.. ~ Dana

Helen will be missed so much in the rooms of A.A. She was always so upbeat, so positive and so wise. Loved my chats with her! She always so cute and bubbly and acted like she was 60! So many great memories with Helen. She will truly be missed! But she will be so loved in her next life! ~ Julie Walters

I met Helen as my sister's step-grandmother-in-law, and instantly felt at home with her and her cheerful, welcoming ways. She had a nick-name for me by the second or third time we got together. For the last 25 years she was a part of my extended family, and she radiated joy and acceptance. I shall miss her. My heartfelt condolences to all who loved her -- but I'm sure you all know how special a gift her love for you was, and how eternal it is. ~ Anysia Rusak

Helen, your compassion, kindness and selflessness will always be remembered by the many communities you touched throughout your journey. Our conversations over the years were always meaningful, inspiring and full of laughter. You will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. My deepest condolences to Helen's family. ~ Chris Freelund

Helen was such a kind Mother,Grandma and Great Grandma who opened her heart and arms to all who knew her.She will be missed by all.Our thoughts are with the Family at this difficult time. ~ Dan & Barb Pappas

I am so sad that we have had to say goodbye to an incredibly vibrant and loving example of a human, who I was always proud to call my Grandma ❤️ Whether you were her child, her grandchild, her friend, or a homeless stranger on the streets of east Vancouver, when you talked to her, she had the rare gift of truly listening, and making you feel special & feeling heard. She believed we are all equal, she said what she thought, & called you out if she thought you were being unfair or unjust. She gave generously of her time, to her family, to her Church, to her charities, and to anyone who needed her. Most of all, Grandma didn't tell us how to live... she lived & loved with her whole heart, and we watched her example. Although it seems impossible that such an inspiring person is gone, and although we will miss her presence, we will keep her lessons with us and be better for having known her. Until we meet again Grandma ❤️ ~ Tammy Pharand

I am so sad that we have had to say goodbye to an incredibly vibrant and loving example of a human, who I was always proud to call my Grandma ❤️ Whether you were her child, her grandchild, her friend, or a homeless stranger on the streets of east Vancouver, when you talked to her, she had the rare gift of truly listening, and making you feel special & feeling heard. She believed we are all equal, she said what she thought, & called you out if she thought you were being unfair or unjust. She gave generously of her time, to her family, to her Church, to her charities, and to anyone who needed her. Most of all, Grandma didn't tell us how to live... she lived & loved with her whole heart, and we watched her example. Although it seems impossible that such an inspiring person is gone, and although we will miss her presence, we will keep her lessons with us and be better for having known her. Until we meet again Grandma ❤️ ~ Tammy Pharand

Today’s celebration of life for Helen, left me feeling even more blessed, too have Helen as my sponsor, my inspiration and very good friend. Today the Celebration for Helen was overflowing, every pew was full, every heart was heavy. As I looked around there was no dry eye. Helen left a mark on all of our hearts ♥️ She was definitely one in a million ❤️ Thank you Helen for being you xo ~ Shannon Kristofic

My deepest condolences to Helen's children and extended family. I first met Helen at Surrey Urban Mission where she volunteered her time to help make life a little easier for the city's vulnerable residents. I was shocked - while scrolling through my social media stream this evening - to learn of her death. She was so full of life and energy and still had so much to give. May she rest in peace and light perpetual shine on her. Rev. Vida Jaugelis ~ Vida Jaugelis

To know Helen was to love Helen. I will always remember the good times I had with her. She was a friend, a mentor, and my go-to person whenever I needed a sensical ear. I will never forget Helen and the impact she had on my life. RIP my beautiful friend. ~ Heather Andruski

You gave so much to everyone and asked so little in return. Your unconditional love and words of wisdom are forever etched in my memories of you my dear precious Auntie Helen!! Your endless energy and spunk reminded us of the energizer bunny commercials. You are and always will be my hero!!! Your eyes closed on earth and opened in heaven to meet your LORD JESUS WHO you served and loved! ~ Karen and Allan Kotanko

I met this wonderful woman when I lived with Dick & Gail for about 3 years in the 80's. She was, in her humble and giving way, a class act, so warm and accepting of all, and I'm sure she continues to be a bright light to others on the other side. My condolences to the family and friends she left behind. ~ Suzanne Van Elslande