Marilyn Jean Gillespie

Marilyn Jean Gillespie, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away after a brief illness on June 17, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born June 11, 1941, in Vancouver, British Columbia to Dorothy and Alfred Sallis, Marilyn grew up in Vancouver and later Victoria with her family.

She met her husband Richard (Gus) Gillespie in Victoria, British Columbia and they married on December 8, 1961.

Together they raised three daughters, spending most of those years in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Marilyn had a long career with the Bank of British Columbia and subsequently HSBC bank. Marilyn loved her “girls” at the bank and would host many events and activities for her banking family.

She retired from banking in the late 90s and embraced gardening and raising animals on the family hobby farm.

Sailing was a new hobby which came with retirement, and she was a skilled Captain of “Mona Kai”, their 30” sailing sloop. Many great times had on the water with family and dear friends Willy and Reina Sampson.

Marilyn is survived by her spouse Richard (Gus) Gillespie; children Debbie Gillespie; Heather Kirkpatrick (Allan); Jennifer Pelletier (Cal); grandchildren Chelsea Kirkpatrick; Hailey Kirkpatrick (Garrett); great-grandchildren; Georgia Hamblin; Holly Hamblin; Madelyn Clark; Siblings Marjorie Wessels and Charlie Sallis.

Predeceased by her beloved granddaughter Amanda Maree Pelletier; parents Dorothy and Alfred Sallis and brother Fred Sallis.

The family would like to thank Jaime, Annemarie, Payton, Candace, Heather, Cassie, Sasha and Palliative Care for the kind, compassionate care of our mom.

In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones.