For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

GILLARD, Grace Lillian (QUINN, née MERRILL) - passed away peacefully on Friday, February 8, 2013, at the age of 97 (6 weeks short of 98). She was predeceased by parents, Milton and Bess Merrill; first husband, Lt. Cmdr. John L. Quinn; second husband, the Rev. G. L. (Lea) Gillard; and his daughter Marie Floyd. Grace was born in Opportunity (Spokane) WA, on March 21, 1915. She spent her formative years there and in Ottawa, where she graduated from Lisgar Collegiate. During World War II, she worked in a coding office in Ottawa, and then joined the WRCNS, serving at Gloucester, ON, and St. Hyacinthe, PQ. Following the war, she was the civilian manager of the government wireless station in Prince Rupert. While there she married John Quinn. His RCN service took them to Ottawa and then to Halifax, where they lived until John was killed in action in Korea. In Halifax she later met navy chaplain, the Rev. Lea Gillard. After their marriage, they returned to BC and lived in Esquimalt until Lea retired. In 1958 they moved up island to Shawnigan Lake where Lea was called as pastor to the United Church. Grace was a devoted partner in her husband's ministries. Grace truly enjoyed living at Shawnigan Lake. For several years she worked in the bursary at the Shawnigan Lake School. She was active in the United Church and the Royal Canadian Legion. She was honored to serve as choir director of the Sunset Chapter of Eastern Star and one term as Worthy Matron. Besides her lifelong interest in music, Grace loved handicrafts, reading, and crossword puzzles. She was also an avid baseball fan. She found much happiness in her family and friends and will be remembered with love and affection. Grace is survived by son Charles (Christine) Quinn of Apple Valley, MN; Lea's children Howard (Loree) Gillard of Surrey and Elthea Dale of Qualicum Beach; and their families. She is also survived by cousins Nancy Feldkamp (Reno); Chuck (Barb) Every; and Bill (Norma) Every, all of Michigan. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on February 16th at Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road, Mill Bay. Interment, Shawnigan Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the church. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Harmony Healthcare and VIHA for many years of care and kindness to Grace.