Obituary of Hazel Dora Gillen

Entered eternal life on Monday, January 4, 2016 at the age of 88 and joined her husband, George, of 52 years. She was predeceased by her parents Camille and Constance Turpin, her brother Jean –Phillipe, her first husband Michael Cashin and her second husband Dr. George Gillen. She leaves behind her brother Gerald (Marilyn) and her children Martin (Rina), Michael (Gillian), Mark (Joyce), Leslie (Michael), Lauren (Shawna) and Lara (Mark). She was the proud grandmother of 13; Christopher, Alyssa, Brittany, Joshua, Shawna, Michelle, David, Alec, Matthew, Lise, Torin, Alana and Gillen. She was also delighted to be the great grandmother of Nathan, Andrew and Daniel. Hazel personified elegance. She will be remembered by family and friends as a graceful hostess with a sharp wit and a ready smile. Hazel dedicated much of her life to raising her six children and managing her husband’s medical practice until his death in 2008. Both she and George spent many years as active choir members at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Oshawa. When she wasn’t hitting high Cs in the choir loft, Hazel might just as easily be found waltzing effortlessly across the dance floor, playing bridge or disappointing herself on the golf green. With all her poise and charm, however, Hazel was just as happy romping through a farmer’s field filled with cows and horses or climbing through her rock garden pulling weeds. In the end, it was her enduring faith that saw her through the many challenges that marked her path in life, from the loss of her first and second husbands to the physical and mental toll brought on by Parkinson’s disease. The Gillen Family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who gave of their skills, time and love to ensure that Hazel could face each day with lady-like grace. In particular, we would like to thank Village Home and Private Care in Durham Region for their years of loving attention, The Court at Pringle Creek in Whitby, and the wonderful staff at both Bon Air Long Term Residence in Cannington, and Graceful Care Services in Georgina. A Mass celebrating her life will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 194 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, Ontario on Saturday, March the 12th at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 355 Taunton Rd. E., Whitby. A reception will be held afterward at The Court at Pringle Creek, 3975 Anderson Rd., Whitby. For those wishing to send prayers and condolences to the family please visit www.thornefuneralhome.ca. In lieu of flowers, Hazel requested donations be sent to either the World Wildlife Fund or Doctors without Borders.