Obituary of Rachel "Lenore" Gillespie

GILLESPIE, Lenore (NÉE VINE)

February 1, 1927 – October 31, 2017

Lenore died peacefully in her sleep on October 31, 2017 at Belmont House, Toronto.  Predeceased by her beloved husband Hadden, wonderful son Hugh and dear brother Fred, Lenore will be missed by her loving daughters Nora and Mary Ellen, daughter-in-law JoAnne, son-in-law Jim Easto, sister Grace and her husband John Everett, and sister-in-law Helen Vine.  Lenore will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren Campbell, Lauren, Emily, Ryan, and Andrew, as well as her many nieces and nephews.  The family is grateful for the tender care provided to Lenore by Glenn, Angela, and Angella.

Lenore lived a full, rich life, travelling to all corners of the world.  She grew up on a farm in Perth County during the Depression and Second World War, attending Stratford Normal School and the University of Western Ontario.  Lenore’s first post was teaching the primary grades in one half of a two room school in Hickson, Ontario.  The other room was taught by one of her normal school classmates who to Lenore’s lifelong chagrin was given the role of school principal despite their identical qualifications.  Lenore got over that sufficiently to marry him and launch what would become an inspiring 50 year partnership with Hadden.  While Hadden continued his career in education, Lenore took over everything else.    The skills learned farming during the Depression were put to good use as she took over the finances, did all household repairs, sewed the clothing, refinished and reupholstered furniture, grew vegetables and hung out her laundry on the clothesline despite the mores of freshly minted suburbs.  She inspired her three children to challenge themselves and develop their individual dreams.  She loved playing bridge, antiques, curling and the rustic cottage life on Black Lake every summer.  Lenore and Hadden retired to their dream country house in Haliburton, enjoying community work, running a bed and breakfast, wood lot management, grandchildren, maple syrup, gardening, and bridge.  A talented painter who left no landscape unpainted and an adept pianist, Lenore loved the arts in all their forms.  After Hadden’s death Lenore continued to enjoy her life in Haliburton eventually meeting her companion the late Jim Potter.

The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 5th.  A service will be held on Monday, November 6th at TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH, 230 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation or Belmont House Foundation.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.