GILLIAN PATTISON

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GILLIAN PATTISON

(née BLOW)

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we convey the peaceful passing of Gillian at the Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home in Winnipeg on April 16, 2026, following a brief illness.

Gillian was born at home on March 28, 1936, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. She grew up in Halifax and Shelf, where she attended grammar school. Gillian was a very good student. Smart, organized, and adapt at multi-tasking, traits that served her well throughout her working career and life. She developed a passion for tennis through her childhood years which continued as an adult, either as an active participant or as a spectator, especially the annual Wimbledon Grand Slam tennis tournament. Her interest in sports led her to try out fencing as a young adult and this is where she met the love of her life, Alan, who was one of the fencing instructors. Gillian married Alan Eastwood Pattison on March 28, 1957, sharing 63 years together until Alan’s passing on June 1, 2020. Gillian and Alan were blessed with three children, Andrew, Simon (Jill Stewart), and Philip (Angela Roehm), and six grandchildren, Seamus, Rebeka, Liam, Laura, Aidan, and Aaron.

Gillian and Alan emigrated from England to Canada with their three young boys on July 29, 1967. Coming to Canada wasn’t easy at first, as they adapted to a new land, climate, and culture, but Gillian and Alan persevered and eventually thrived in their new country. They first settled in Winnipeg, then moved to Brandon in 1969 where Gillian and Alan raised their family. Gillian began a distinguished 23-year career at Brandon University (BU) in 1972, with brief stints in the Mail Room and Student Services, followed by longer stretches as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Science, and culminating with her role as Executive Assistant to the President of BU. Gillian retired from BU in 1995. She made many friends throughout her time at BU, and was highly respected by staff, faculty, and students alike. She continued to speak fondly of her time at BU, even in her final months.

Gillian was a very hard working, intelligent, and independent wife and mother. She loved to read and developed a real passion for mystery novels. Gillian was an active volunteer with several community-based organizations throughout the years, both in Brandon and in Winnipeg. Gillian always expressed genuine heartfelt interest in people she met. She was inquisitive, empathetic, and a good listener. Much to everyone’s surprise, and even her own, she recently became a hockey fan, watching both Women’s Olympics and PWHL games on her TV. Gillian will be lovingly remembered for her sense of humour, laughter, and warm smile, all of which were passed on to her three boys.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home in Winnipeg which provided excellent care for Gillian in her final journey of life. She made many lasting connections at the Tuxedo Villa PCH and always spoke very highly of the staff and the care she received.

Gillian was predeceased by her father Eric Blow in 1989, mother Enid Blow in 2004, granddaughter Rebeka Hamilton-Pattison in 2011, brother Charles Blow and husband Alan, both in 2020.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Gillian’s honour. As per Gillian’s wishes, there will be no formal service of remembrance, however, the family will gather at a later time to honour her life. Rest in peace Gillian, you are dearly missed.

Tribute Link: www.glenlawn.ca

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

GILLIAN PATTISON

Peacefully, after a brief illness, Gillian passed away in Winnipeg on April 16, 2026, at the age of 90. A complete obituary will follow.

Tribute Link: www.glenlawn.ca

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

GILLIAN PATTISON

Peacefully, after a brief illness, Gillian passed away in Winnipeg on April 16, 2026, at the age of 90.

A complete obituary will follow.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2026, Apr 25, 2026, May 02, 2026