Mrs. Elizabeth Pringle passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on March 17. She was born at Seven Gables in Norton, New Brunswick to William and Pearl Gilliland. Elizabeth was the beloved wife of her late husband Stanley, cherished Mother of Penny (Chris) and Deborah (Al) and much-loved Nonna of Katrina and Natasha.
Elizabeth dearly loved her sisters and brother: the late Jack Gilliland (Barbara Gilliland) of Fredericton, NB, the late Jean Welton (the late Lloyd Welton) of Chatham, Ontario, Hazel Nicholson (the late Alexander Nicholson) of Invercargill, New Zealand and the late Blanche Wallace (the late Richard Wallace) of Petawawa, Ontario.
Guided by her love of God and deep “faith fullness”, she engaged with people of all cultures and walks of life as she lived and travelled throughout the world. She treasured the world’s beauty wherever she went. A lifelong learner herself, she was an avid promotor of education and a dedicated volunteer, while being rooted in the past, but embracing the modern.
She grew up in New Brunswick during the depression and World War 2. She learned to love the game of golf as her father was the head greenskeeper for the Riverside Golf Club in East Riverside. During these formative years, she was extremely active in Girl Guides, graduated from Rothesay Consolidated, and developed her characteristic well-groomed and elegant style.
After graduating, she moved to Ottawa and worked with the federal government. She loved living in Canada’s capital and her new found sense of independence. Later, she worked at London Life Insurance and sang in the Presbyterian choir in London, Ontario.
During her early years of marriage, she accompanied Stanley to Campbellton, Syracuse, Montreal and Ottawa as he completed his PhD. Then as a professor’s wife at UNB, she studied art, sang in the Presbyterian choir and was very involved with IODE. Her love of travel, the sun, heat and beaches became fully realized when they moved with their two young daughters to Uganda and Kenya for a sabbatical working with the United Nations.
The family then moved to Rome, Italy where Stanley worked as a Forest Economist with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN for twenty-five years. It was there she demonstrated her natural talent to communicate with people from all cultures of the world and developed many long-lasting strong friendships. While dedicating herself to raising her daughters, she also participated in many services and learning groups: United Nations Women’s Guild, African Bible Class, International Ladies’ Cooking Group, European History and Architecture Learning Group taught by Count De Colenberg, a Knight of Malta. She travelled extensively throughout Europe with Stan, Penny and Deborah. Later she glowed with joy and enthusiasm when accompanying Stanley on travels around the globe. Some favourite destinations were Scotland, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bali.
She retired with Stanley to Penticton where they enjoyed sharing their home and garden. Their home, rich in beautiful memories from their world travels, was a place to welcome friends and nurture family. She served as an elder in Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, as an IODE Education Secretary and Thrift Shop helper, a Canadian Club Hospitality Coordinator, a Penticton Art Gallery Docent and fundraiser, and took an active interest in the formation of Glenfir School. She also liked working out regularly at the gym and pool, while being a dedicated care giver for ten years.
After Stanley passed away, her daughters and their families shared caring for her. During that time, she truly enjoyed urban and rural lifestyles.
Elizabeth eventually moved to Sunrise of Victoria. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you for the loving care mom received and the many kindnesses of the wonderful professionals and devoted staff. An intimate family memorial service will be held on March 25 in Victoria at Knox Presbyterian Church. Elizabeth’s and Stanley’s ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean where they can join the currents to circumnavigate the world they so loved.
We celebrate her courage and love of life.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bill Hilborn
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Andre Martin RIP Elizabeth. A great neighbour and a lovely personality. Very kind to Harrison (and us) on every occasion. Andre Martin and Barbara Jenic formerly of Acacia Crescent-Penticton
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Ardean MacKinnon-Hayward My sincere condolences to Penny and Deborah. Your dad was my mother-in-law, Edith (Pringle) MacKinnon, half brother.
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Diana L MacKinnon My condolences.
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Heidi Thomson Aunt Hazel, my daughter Sarah and I are sorry and very sad to hear of your Mum’s passing. We send our deepest sympathies and healing prayers to support you in your loss. With all our love; Aunt Hazel (Hazel Nicolson), Heidi and Sarah XXXX
My sisters Susan and Jane and I are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother who we knew as “Betty” in Fredericton. Our mother Mildred and father Bill often spoke of her and Stan over the years. She was a vibrant woman who lead a life that mattered to many.
For most of us, our fear is reaching death without having truly lived. We know that your mother truly lived and would want us to celebrate this event called life.