Emma Gillespie

Emma Gillespie, nee Shakotko, passed away very peacefully at her home at Hillcrest Place in Brandon, MB. on December 12, 2020. She was born on a hot sunny day, July 14, 1924 at Cando, SK. She was the sixth child in a family that eventually grew to eight - four boys and four girls. When Emma was in her early teens, her father, Reverend Eli Shakotko moved the family to the Durban area in 1938. Growing up in a family of eight, Emma learned to cook, and this led her to Saskatoon and then Winnipeg with her sister Anne to work as cooks in the Sanitarium and Children's Hospital. Her last cooking job was at the hospital in Benito where she was known for her delicious meals.

When Emma lived in Benito, a handsome young farmer from Durban caught her eye and soon they were courting. Jack became the love of her life and they married on June 19,1965. They moved onto his family's farm at Durban where they remained until retirement in 2002 when they moved into the Plaza in Swan River.

Though Jack and Emma had no children of their own, they had many nieces and nephews whom they cared about and loved as their own children. Emma hosted many wonderful family gatherings at their Durban farm. She took pride in her beautiful Vegetable and flower gardens, worked tirelessly on the farm by Jack's side, and generously poured love into the lives of family. She will always be remembered for her cheery laugh, hidden treats, and the twinkle in her eyes.

Emma and Jack left the Swan River Valley in October 2017 when their health required that they move into a care facility in Brandon. After a fall, her beloved Jack was taken from her in November of that year. Emma was also predeceased by her Dad and Mom and by brothers Paul, Jack, John, and Steve along with sisters Anne and Zeena. Left to mourn her passing is her youngest sister Ruth of Vernon, B.C. and numerous nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Emma’s wishes, a private burial

will take place and Emma will be laid to rest in the

Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, Manitoba.

Memorial Donations

Should friends so desire, memorial donations in

Emma’s memory may be made to Madge Lake Bible Camp

or to the Gideons.

The family would like to thank "all" the

care givers at Hillcrest Place in Brandon for their love,

care, and special concern and encouragement to our aunt.

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