Gladys Wilma "Willie" Fairbrother
August 23, 1930 – October 8, 2024
Gladys Wilma “Willie” Fairbrother (nee Taylor) passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, at the age of 94, surrounded by her daughters Lynn and Brenda, son-in-law Kevin, and her wonderful PSW Julie. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Tom (2006) and is survived by her children Wayne (Anna) Fairbrother, Brenda (Kevin) Calhoun, Brian (Glenda) Fairbrother, and Lynn (Bruce) Pearson, as well as her cherished grandchildren Katie (Matt), Jim (Hilary), Lyndsey (Gregg), Jeremy, Michelle (Ben), Chantal, John, Heather, and Emma.
“Willie,” as she was affectionately known, was G.G. to her great-grandchildren Emerson, Elliot, Dylan, and June. She will be greatly missed by her brother Eric Taylor (Dorothy) of Abbotsford and her many beloved nieces and nephews.
Willie was a proud 1951 graduate of the Oshawa General Hospital nursing program. Her nursing career spanned many years and included time at Oshawa General, Bloorview Children’s Centre, and Shouldice Hospital. She loved to travel, bowl, and cheer on her favorite team, the Toronto Blue Jays. In recent years, she took joy in watching the real jays, cardinals, and hummingbirds in the backyard of the home she shared with Brenda and Kevin since 2020.
Some of her happiest moments were spent at her cottage on South Lake in Minden and at the Pearson family cottage on Horn Lake in Burk’s Falls. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her beautiful smile, sense of humor, and her gentle ways. Willie’s family takes comfort in knowing that she lived a wonderful 94 years, filled with love and laughter.
Visitation will be held at the Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Saturday, October 19 from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life in the chapel at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be shared at Oshawa Funeral Home.
