November 15, 1928 - March 19, 2020
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on March 19th at Deltaview Habilitation Centre with her children present.
Mom was born in 1928 near Windermere, Alberta, to Maude and Rastus Steele. She was the third of their four children, growing up with two brothers and one sister.
Mom and her family settled into the White Rock/South Surrey area in 1941 working on a family farm. Mom completed her schooling at Semiahmoo Secondary School, the same school that her children attended.
Mom met the love of her life, Terry, when he returned to Canada following his service in Europe. Mom and Dad were married in 1948 and together they raised seven children. Mom and Dad remained very much in love and after 67 years of marriage, Terry passed away. Dad had always remained Mom's first and only love.
During their years together Mom and Dad became a fixture of White Rock/South Surrey operating a thriving trucking and excavating business, T.McGillivray Ltd. We know their success was because they ran their business as a partnership.
Mom's biggest love and priority was always her family. She was a great mother, raising her children to be respectful, responsible and caring people. Mom and Dad taught their children, and in turn their grandchildren, the importance of hard work. Mom was an amazing grandmother, always having time for her grandchildren. She always had time to listen and provide guidance to her family, but only when it was asked for. Mom was fair, patient, kind and always generous with others, especially those in need.
Mom's presence will be missed but she will always be held in the hearts of her children: Sue Anne (Lorne, deceased) Drschiwiski, Judy (Ken) Tetz, Barb MacLeod, Wendy (Tim Atkins) McGillivray, Bruce (Diane) McGillivray, Terri (Chuck) Taylor and Scot (Cheryl) McGillivray. She will also be remembered by her 29 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Her family will celebrate mom's/grandma's life together when everyone can be gathered. Her family being together would be exactly what mom would have loved.