Passed away peacefully at Marigold Hospice, Newcastle, ON on October 10, 2026.
Born in Broughty Ferry, Scotland on April 12, 1942.
Lovingly supported and cared for by her husband of 62 years, Ian Menzies.
Mother to her cherished only daughter, Fiona Murphy (Tim), her sons, Stuart (Agnes) and Craig (Gillian) and pre-deceased by daughter-in-law Nicole (Stuart).
Devoted “G-Ma” to Cameron Murphy (Sable Frey) and Erin Murphy (Michael Henry).
Grandmother to Mikayla Menzies and Megan Menzies and Great-Grandmother to Atlas (Megan).
Pre-deceased by her parents Maisie and Alec Kermack; sibling Lindsay (Ursula), Preston (Jennifer), Valerie and brother-in-law Bob.
Gillian Alexandra Menzies will be fondly remembered by her extended family in Scotland and USA.
The Blue Jays number one fan will be coaching her favourite Team from the dugout in heaven. She LOVED her sports! Baseball, golf, curling, tennis to name a few. When the Olympics were on, she adapted her living schedule to the time zone of the host nation to witness everything live. Multiple television screens and devices were all set up around her streaming a variety of sporting events. She was in her absolute glory!
She had a green thumb and loved her gardens. The perennials were a highlight in every neighbourhood she lived. The Rose of Sharon was always her favourite.
A member of the Blue Angels dance group at Wilmot Creek in her 60’s and 70’s, she danced her way into retirement. She absolutely shined when performing each tap dancing number with all the girls!
She was quiet, observant, loyal, intuitive and extremely intelligent. A voracious reader, she always had a good book on the go. In-depth political conversations and analysis were always cause for banter – if you dared to take on that challenge! She was a true “Techie” when it came to all things digital. Fixing computers, tablets, cell phones, and software of any kind were her favourite problems to solve. In her younger years she was a talented seamstress and knitter. The Daily crossword puzzle was mandatory! She enjoyed puzzles, brain games and trivia. Patience was never an issue for Gillian, no matter what the task as she was logical, methodical and patient.
Her health had declined over the past few years but with the constant care given from her husband Ian and support from close family, PSW’s, friends and neighbours at Wilmot Creek, she managed to persevere and thrive beyond her dimished physical condition. We will miss her gentle voice, her wee Scottish quips, her smile, and how she could make us laugh til we cried! She will truly be missed.
In Gillian’s memory, donations in support of MARIGOLD HOSPICE CARE in Newcastle, ON would be most appreciated. www.marigoldhospicecare.ca
As per Gillian’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
