Corinne Marie Gillespie

Born the third child of six to Mona (English) Gillespie of Branch, St. Mary’s Bay and Francis Gillespie of Claregalway, Ireland she became the middle glue that kept us all together. Growing up in St. John’s her extended family was large and remained close to Corinne all her life. The early years of Girl Guides and a nomadic family that loved to jump in the wagon and go, set her on a path of self sufficiency and exploration. Always in love with the ocean she took to the sea and mastered sailing in her teens. From there she showed her resilience, dedication and athleticism to become a 3 time Royal St. John’s Regatta Champion and Hall of Fame inductee with the mighty General Hospital crew of the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Academically she excelled and attended Littledale and Beaconsfield before graduating from Memorial University with her iron ring and an engineering degree in Naval Architecture. Our adventurous and newly minted engineer would then set off on a 30 year varied and challenging career in Oil & Gas, Telecom and Ship Building taking her to ‘34 and I stopped counting’ locations across North America. She loved the challenges and the friendships that came with each placement and she cherished her great friends from all over the world. You always knew what she loved. Ambiguity wasn’t part of her makeup and her great strength and convictions would define her.

Corinne was a force of nature and approached everything she did by jumping ‘all in’. Her home was filled with an eclectic and whimsical collection of wooden and painted folk art displayed alongside a hoard of self made and priceless knitting’s, hooked rugs, stain glass and carvings. Whatever she set her mind to do or make, it became reality. Her talents knew no bounds.

It was only the late diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer that finally slowed her down. Over the past 4.5 years Corinne took every treatment that was available and didn’t shy away from telling us all about her journey in the hopes of saving someone else from her fate. Always brave and forever loved, she showed us how to live fully even when fighting for more time.

Predeceased by her father ‘Alfie’, Corinne will forever be remembered by her mother Mona, brothers and sisters, Frank, Eileen, Sean (Penny), Brian and David. Her very special niece Bridget whom she adored, loved and to whom she was a second mom, Erin, Katie, Brenna, Jenny, Mara, Olivia, Bridget, Rory, Paddy & Kathleen. A large contingent of cousins that emanated out from her roots in Branch and Galway that will always hold our Corinney in their hearts.

A special thank you to all of Corinne and Eileen’s amazing friends and relatives that have so thoughtfully and lovingly walked side by side with Corinne during her life and especially these last few months. Sheilagh & Karen O’Driscoll, Sue Mercer & Shawn Ingraham, Lisa Marshall, Denise Jamieson and all the meal train gals who kept us nourished over the last year. You all made a difficult road such a loving and beautiful journey.

There will be Celebration of Corinne’s Life on Thursday July 21st from 2pm – 5pm at the Armdale Yacht Club, 75 Burgee Run, Halifax, NS.

Corinne would want you to come dressed in your most comfortable summer casual (Life is Good). Another celebration in Newfoundland will be held at a later date.

In Iieu of flowers a donation can be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada.