Margaret Elizabeth Gillan (née Blair), affectionately known as Beth, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at the age of 96. Beth leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and devotion to family that touched the lives of all who knew her.
Born at home on her parents’ farm on December 14, 1929, Beth was the daughter of the late Alfred (“Attie”) Blair and Lillian Steen. She was raised in the Pakenham area alongside her siblings, Ronald, Eleanor and David, where she developed the strong family values, community spirit, and work ethic that would guide her throughout her life.
Beth attended Sadler’s Public School, Pakenham Continuation School, and Almonte and District High School. After studying typing and shorthand at Tabers’ Business College in Carleton Place and working briefly in government service, she discovered her true calling in nursing. In 1949, she entered the Ottawa Civic Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1952. She helped establish and operate the hospital’s new urology operating theatre before moving to Edmonton, where she worked in private duty nursing.
Returning home to Lanark County, Beth continued her nursing career at Rosamond Memorial Hospital and later Almonte General Hospital, working part-time while raising her family and then full-time from 1972 until her retirement in 1992 as a Head Nurse.
On October 10, 1953, Beth married Charles Gillan at Christ Church in Edmonton, Alberta. Together they built a loving home and raised four children.
Beth was the proud and devoted mother of Jennifer (Alton Plager), Jacqueline (Ray Campbell), Jane (Murray McPhail), and Jeffrey (Sandra Inglis). She was a cherished grandmother to Jessica, Joelle (Jason), Blair (Bryce), Andrew (Liz), Grant, Stacy (Jamie), Kevin (Lindsey), Victoria, Gabrielle, and Alexandra, and a much-loved great-grandmother to Maddie, Quinn, Sloane, Scarlett, William, Aiden, Scottie, Rory, Hoyt, Wyatt, Darcie, and Jack.
A lifelong learner and enthusiastic community volunteer, Beth gave generously of her time and talents. She volunteered weekly at the local library, was an active member of the Anglican Church Women and the Women’s Institute, and served on the Home Support Committee, including three years as chairperson before joining the Board of Five Arches. Her creativity found expression through reading, knitting, crocheting, and preparing exhibits for the local fair.
Beth embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. Throughout the years she enjoyed basketball, track and field, tennis, curling, cross-country skiing, golf, and line dancing. She curled for many years and proudly served as Ladies’ President of her curling club. Retirement brought her great joy, allowing her to remain active in her community and spend treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Those who knew her understood that family was always at the very heart of her life.
Her family are very grateful to Dr. Ray, the staff at Orchard View Gardens and Bayshore HealthCare Solutions for their compassionate care and kindness.
In keeping with Beth’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Almonte General Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in Beth’s memory.
https://almontehospitalfoundation.com/donate/
https://alzheimer.ca/on/en/help-support
