GILLIS, Barbara Jane (née Spelliscy) Born March 27, 1962 into a large family that referred to her simply as "VIII" for a few years, Barb died at the Chinook Hospice on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 having what could only be described as a 'beautiful death.' In the company of friends and family, who sipped Pinot Noir and listened to Indie music on her iPod, Barb left this world on her own terms – with a smile on her face and holding her husband Peter's hand. Barbara Jane Gillis was a force of nature, that rare collection of beauty, confidence and grace that couldn't help but draw you in to her presence, where her immense love and compassion made you feel warm and safe. On news of her death, makers of Gin the world over quaked in fear and uncertainty. In her honour, Happy Hour is now sixty-five minutes long.Barbara Jane was loud and she moved throughout the world capturing hearts with the deafening sound of her awesomeness. To hear her laugh was to be reminded how good life can be when taken a little less seriously. Her greatest trait, though, was her infinite love for the lucky ones who entered her life. Barbara Jane loved her family, living and dead, with a depth that spanned time and space. She loved her friends so deeply they rushed to her side for one last touch. And she loved her husband with such a fierceness that he would give anything – anything – to have her look at him, that way, just one more time.Barb was preceded in her last waltz by her father Hal, mother Kae, and brothers Pat and Terry-- people she praised and cherished until the day she died. Surviving siblings include Mary Ellen (Denis), Mike (Gwen), Tim (Peggi), Dan (Cheryl), Anne (Lorne), Joe (Sheila), Kathleen (Ian), Hal Jr. and Irene (Tim). Barb spent a lot of time helping to raise her 19 nieces and nephews, Mark (Melanie), Troy, Brett (Danijela), Erin, Patrick, Meg, Courtney (Qassim), Connor, Lawton, Keegan, Maddie, Cole, Dylan, Bridget, Griffin, Braeden, Cara (with their mother Jennifer), Macgregor and Finn, and it shows in their spirit and character. It turns out that Barb has left just as her first great-niece/nephew prepares to arrive. Such is life.

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