Stella was born prematurely in 1937 in England.
Right from the beginning, she was strong-willed. She worked as a secretary then met and married Reginald Gillies in 1955. They came to Canada on a ship with their daughter Jayne. While living in Quebec, she had two more boys, Andrew then Robert.
Around 1970, they drove across Canada to Powell River, BC. They bought a restaurant called the Owl’s Roost. It was hard work and long days, but there was a lot of fun and laughter. They were well known for steak and kidney pie, fish and chips and the all-time fave, chips and gravy. As kids, we helped out and quit repeatedly.
Dad started working in the mill and slowly studied for his steam engineer ticket. Mom carried on for a bit, but it was too much, so the restaurant closed.
Stella was not one to be idle, so she volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club. I believe there are a few knitters out there who learned from her. She loved to garden and was always trying new recipes. Then she started a job at Kelly’s Specialty Shop, which led to her purchasing it from Ann MacKenzie. Learning about vitamins, herbs and many other alternatives was her passion.
Our parents were blessed to have some very talented and dedicated staff working alongside them. She sold the store in her 80s as she was very particular about who purchased it.
Mom and Dad also contributed generously to the new black town clock and the Brain Injury Society. Hopefully there will soon be a plaque with their names.
Unfortunately Reg passed over in 2020, and Stella was determined to manage on her own. She fell and fractured her leg in April 2022. Jayne brought her to Creston so she could help her heal and care for her.
Huge thanks to all the wonderful, dedicated caregivers who came into her life. Stella was a bright and kind star who will shine on in many hearts forever.
Love you, Mom.
