December 10, 2022
On Saturday, December 10, 2022, Fluella Gilgan left us. Her passing follows that of her spouse and best friend, Norman "Pat" Gilgan, in October of 2019. She is survived by her son Wren (Jean) and daughter Cindy; grandchildren Andrea, Jesse (Niki), Christopher (Kelly), Craig, Melissa, and Kurt (Beckie).
Flo was a woman of infinite kindness and humour. Conversations with her always ended with a smile on your face, and with the feeling that you were the most important person she spoke with that day. Though Pat gave her a run for her money, she was an unparalleled storyteller and granter of nicknames.
Born in Wynyard, Saskatchewan, Flo was pulled out of school in Grade 8 to assist in the family home. A quick wit and apt pupil, she re-enrolled in her early 40s and completed 4 grades in 18 months of studying at Douglas College, graduating on the honour roll. Flo was not one to back down from a challenge. When living in Kitwanga B.C., in the 1970s Flo took a derisive comment about her tree planting ability personally and transformed herself into one of the best planters ever to grace the province. She was proud of these strenuous and important labours, and her commitment filtered through to her children and grandchildren, with Andrea and Christopher becoming accomplished planters as well.
In 2019 Flo faced her greatest challenge, when cancer took her lifelong partner, Pat, unexpectedly. Heartbroken but unbowed, Flo again showed her resolve and thrived in Pat's absence, making new friends and weaving new stories along the way.
The illness leading to Flo's passing was brief and merciful, and she was surrounded by family throughout. She maintained her humour and dignity until the end, teaching us invaluable lessons in kinship, levity, and perseverance. Our memories of her will prove indelible.