Mavis Gillian (nee Anderson) Burns passed quietly on February 26, 2009 in Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm, BC at the age of 70 years.
Gillian was born on February 10, 1939 in Aberdeen, Scotland. She leaves her husband Dan of Salmon Arm, son James (Andria) of Houston, BC and daughter Susan (Peter) Stern and grandson Erik of Victoria, BC. She also leaves her brother Nigel (Marion) Anderson of Newcastle, England as well as many nieces and nephews.
Gillian was predeceased by her father William in 1989, her twin sister Glennis in 2000 and her mother Vera at the age of 101 in 2004.
Along with her family, Gillian moved from Scotland to the Midlands of England during WWII. It was there that Gillian, twin sister Glennis and their life-long friend Christine developed their love of horses and riding, helping out at the local riding school and stables.
She trained as a physiotherapist at Oxford and worked at the hospital there before coming to Canada in 1965 and the Ottawa Hospital. Early in 1966 her and friend Eileen drove to Vancouver and started working at the Vancouver General Hospital.
She met her husband to be in the spring of 1966, and they were married at the Calgary Stampede in July 1967.
She worked at the Kelowna Hospital for a short while before they moved from Kelowna to Salmon Arm in 1970, and after the children were grown, worked at the Salmon Arm Hospital and the Arthritis Society. Gillian and her husband Dan retired in 1992 enjoying many evenings of square dancing, Tai Chi and Yoga.
Gillian will be greatly missed by all who knew her; family, friends and ex-patients and will be remember as a truly gentle, caring person; loved by all who knew her.
No service by request. Cremation arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, (250) 833-1129,
E-mail condolences to fischers@sunwave.net.