Margaret Mary Giller (nee Abell)
February 20, 1933 - June 14, 2023
Funeral Details: Services will be held at Northwest Barrie United Church, 464 Ferndale Dr. N., Barrie, on Tuesday June 27th, 2023, beginning at 11:00 am.
Margaret Mary Giller (formerly O’Donal) in her 91st year passed peacefully at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie ON., on Wednesday June 14th, 2023 surrounded by her three daughters, Sara, Martha, and Emma.
Loving mother of Sara, Martha, and Emma. Nana will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Kirsten (Billy), Nicholas (Marnie), Zachary (Lindsay), Victoria, Bronwyn, Jack, Jake (Emily), and Jenny (Patrick), and by her great grandchildren Lawson, and Laine. Also missed by her sons-in-law Steve, and Dave, and sisters Joan (Bryan), and Sue (Roger).
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband William “Bill” Giller of 42 years, his children Gary (Pam), and Lynn; grandchildren Aimee, Nathan, Kristin (Andrew), Matthew, and Caitlin; and great-grandchildren Dakota, Lucas, Torin, Finnegan, and Isaac.
Meg was born in Leicester, England on February 20th, 1933 to Jack and Ethel Abell. Meg and her first husband Rory O’Donal emigrated to Canada in 1957. She lived in Port Credit, Barrie, and Huntsville. Meg’s working career was spent largely in Barrie where she was a high school teacher at Barrie Central Collegiate for over 30 years. Wherever Meg lived, she was active in her communities, directing numerous full stage productions of well-known musicals; she was a founding member of Little Hill’s Players Theatre group, acting and directing several productions performed at Georgian College. She was an alderman of Barrie for several years, and President of the Lakeside Ladies Golf League in Huntsville. She retired at the age of 55 and settled in Huntsville with her second husband Bill Giller.
Family was important to Meg who always welcomed them with open arms.
Thank you for the care that Meg received from the RVRHC Nurses and Doctors, and a special thank you to Mill Creek Care Centre for making mom feel safe and loved.
Services will be held at Northwest Barrie United Church, 464 Ferndale Dr. N., Barrie, on Tuesday June 27th, 2023, beginning at 11:00 am. All welcome.
Memorial contributions are welcome at Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, 20 Anne Street South, P.O. Box 1414 Barrie ON L4M 5R4, 705 722 1066, simcoecounty@alzheimersociety.ca
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Evan McDonald
Posted on: Tuesday, June 20, 2023We were saddened to hear of the passing of Meg. She was stepmother to my wife Cindy Giller. We both have fond memories of the many times we had together at family gatherings at our home on Maple Avenue as well as visits to their homes in Huntsville.
Evan McDonald
Kathy French
Posted on: Wednesday, June 21, 2023Our deepest sympathies go to you, Sara, and your family. Your mom taught me in grade 9 at Central and I have always remembered her with fondness. She made learning fun and I recall her leaving for her first maternity leave (you I guess?) and our class presented her with a silver cup. Losing a mom is a difficult thing, no matter the circumstances and we will be thinking of you all.
Fondly,
Kathy French
Kathy Inness
Posted on: Wednesday, June 21, 2023So sorry to hear about the passing of your mother, Sara and Martha. I can still picture Meg and Bill arriving to the gym at Steele St P.S. to lead a skeptical Grade 8 class in Social Dance. They had them all won over and it even attracted the principal to take part!
Sandy Hosie
Posted on: Thursday, June 22, 2023Dear Sara, Martha and Emma,
My sincere condolences on passing of your Mom.
She was a wonderful lady full of caring and kindness.
She was able to assist me to get a teaching position at Barrie Central. Without your Mom’s help I never would have been offered a job, in Barrie!
My thoughts are of her and all of you!
Gary Giller
Posted on: Thursday, June 22, 2023Our heartfelt condolences to Meg’s immediate family and those who became her adopted family upon her marriage to my father. She was a very confident, capable and gracious person with a great sense of humour. Her strong moral compass was only eclipsed by her powerful love of family. Meg’s many fine attributes gained her the admiration of all those she came in contact with. She and Dad were an excellent match with a sincere affection and mutual respect for one another that helped them build a wonderful and compatible partnership. Not only do we grieve her physical passing at this time, we were also deeply saddened by the prolonged sorrow that accompanied her battle with dementia and stole her from all of us far too early. We were blessed to have her as a cherished member of our family.
With Love,
Gary, Pam and Family
Marcia Giller
Posted on: Monday, June 26, 2023Sending deepest sympathies to Bill and both families in the passing of Meg. The few occasions we were together, I found Meg very charming and enjoyed our conversations. Remembering all the good memories you created together will hopefully bring you some peace.
Christine Griffith-Service
Posted on: Monday, June 26, 2023I was one of her students in the late 1980’s. Advice given from her to me was “never be afraid to speak your mind and stand behind it”. It was a pleasure to see her at the BCC gathering a few years ago. Go gentle into that good night.
Lisa and Brad McILmoyle
Posted on: Monday, June 26, 2023To the family of Meg Giller,
We feel privileged to have known Meg. She was kind, witty, fun, beautiful, generous, and a very classy lady. She raised three wonderful daughters: Sara, Martha and Emma. In her daughters, Meg instilled a robust sense of the importance of family. Always the teacher, Meg taught her family to be compassionate and caring human beings. We feel beyond grateful to bear witness to all the fruits of Meg’s labour. We love Meg’s family. Meg, we hope that there is a piano and some community theatre for you to enjoy… safe travels lovely lady.
Much Love,
Brad, Lisa, Brady & Sarah and Carson xo
Don Stephen
Posted on: Tuesday, June 27, 2023Although we moved in different circles while teaching at BCC, when our paths did cross Meg impressed me as being a ‘real classy lady’ to whom I was glad to be associated. For a long time we have been saddened by news of her battle with dementia. My sincere condolences to her families and friends.
Cindy Giller
Posted on: Tuesday, June 27, 2023I believe Meg was a good person and wanted the best for her daughters and her “adopted family”. I do not believe she would have supported excluding any family as it was her responsibility as a wife and mother to ensure the well being of all. Meg was a huge influence in my life and through the years we respected and enjoyed our times together. She was a guest in our home for dinners and family occasions for over thirty five years, right up to her being hospitalized in the nursing home. She treated me with respect as I her.
Sincerely, Cindy Giller
Arthur Storey
Posted on: Wednesday, June 28, 2023It was with sadness I heard of Meg.’s passing. Remembrance of her brings joy and appreciation for her great contribution to so many friends who shared the years she was a key part of of the Little Hill’s Theatre group. To be part of her productions was a wonderful experience. The friends she enriched through here warm and enthusiastic personality have grown and blossomed in so many ways and continue to be warmed by memories of her.