DONNA CLAIRE GILLIS (nee Bryson), November 4, 1931 - July 31, 2019 passed away at home in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 87 years.
Born and raised by a pioneer ranching family on Pavilion Mountain in B.C. In her earlier years she proudly rode horseback to school with her brothers Mack and Duncan before attending Britannia High School in Vancouver where she stayed with her Brett relatives. She met her husband Donald in 1949, the year she was voted Merritt Queen. They married, and started their family in Merritt before moving to Empire Valley Ranch. After the family ranch was sold in 1967, they moved to Kamloops where she continued her education and worked many years as a bookkeeper at Joyce’s Fashions. After the deaths of her husband and parents she retired to Cardston, Alberta.
Besides her working career she was always busy volunteering at high school rodeos, timing at local rodeo events, as well as volunteering for the Royal Canadian Ladies Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. Donna had a wonderful outlook on life and was always eager for the next adventure. She travelled extensively with her friends and family all over the world.
Donna will be remembered by her family and friends as a kind and giving person with a heart of gold and a big smile. Her love of family and friends was her most precious gift. Many young people on their way to rodeo events passed through her doors looking for a warm cooked meal and her apple pie.
Donna leaves her beloved children Monica (Bob), John (Kathy), Cheryl (Dave), and Kathy (Peter), grandchildren Riley, Randa (Mark), Adam (Hilary), Clint, Ben (Lynsay), Eleanor (Chris), Donna (Neil), Rio (Lyndsay), Donny as well as great grandchildren Ryatt, Court, Kashton, Isla, Tatum, Logan, Hawksley, Noxin, Astrid, Nico and Lawson. She also leaves her beloved sister-in-laws; Elizabeth Bryson of Vancouver and Karyn Bryson of Ashcroft and all her nieces and nephews, along with the extensive extended Bryson, Carson, Brett, Gillis, and McCallum families.
She was predeceased by her late husband Donald, her parents Eleanore and Clarence, as well as her brothers Mack and Duncan.
The family would like to acknowledge the kindness and support of the health care providers of Home Health and the Cardston Clinic.
At the families request there will be no service at this time; however a family memorial will be held next summer at the Carson/Bryson graveyard on top of Pavilion Mountain, B.C. . Condolences may be sent by CLICKING HERE.
LEGACY FUNERAL HOMES LTD., CARDSTON Assisting the Family. Phone 403-653-3222.
Born and raised by a pioneer ranching family on Pavilion Mountain in B.C. In her earlier years she proudly rode horseback to school with her brothers Mack and Duncan before attending Britannia High School in Vancouver where she stayed with her Brett relatives. She met her husband Donald in 1949, the year she was voted Merritt Queen. They married, and started their family in Merritt before moving to Empire Valley Ranch. After the family ranch was sold in 1967, they moved to Kamloops where she continued her education and worked many years as a bookkeeper at Joyce’s Fashions. After the deaths of her husband and parents she retired to Cardston, Alberta.
Besides her working career she was always busy volunteering at high school rodeos, timing at local rodeo events, as well as volunteering for the Royal Canadian Ladies Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. Donna had a wonderful outlook on life and was always eager for the next adventure. She travelled extensively with her friends and family all over the world.
Donna will be remembered by her family and friends as a kind and giving person with a heart of gold and a big smile. Her love of family and friends was her most precious gift. Many young people on their way to rodeo events passed through her doors looking for a warm cooked meal and her apple pie.
Donna leaves her beloved children Monica (Bob), John (Kathy), Cheryl (Dave), and Kathy (Peter), grandchildren Riley, Randa (Mark), Adam (Hilary), Clint, Ben (Lynsay), Eleanor (Chris), Donna (Neil), Rio (Lyndsay), Donny as well as great grandchildren Ryatt, Court, Kashton, Isla, Tatum, Logan, Hawksley, Noxin, Astrid, Nico and Lawson. She also leaves her beloved sister-in-laws; Elizabeth Bryson of Vancouver and Karyn Bryson of Ashcroft and all her nieces and nephews, along with the extensive extended Bryson, Carson, Brett, Gillis, and McCallum families.
She was predeceased by her late husband Donald, her parents Eleanore and Clarence, as well as her brothers Mack and Duncan.
The family would like to acknowledge the kindness and support of the health care providers of Home Health and the Cardston Clinic.
At the families request there will be no service at this time; however a family memorial will be held next summer at the Carson/Bryson graveyard on top of Pavilion Mountain, B.C. . Condolences may be sent by CLICKING HERE.
LEGACY FUNERAL HOMES LTD., CARDSTON Assisting the Family. Phone 403-653-3222.