It is with broken hearts that the family of the late Audrey Eilene Marie Gillingham announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by her loving family, from the Copper Crescent Long Term Care Facility, Baie Verte, NL on Saturday, November 4, 2023, aged 93 years.

Audrey was born at Nipper's Harbour on August 24, 1930 to James and Grace Bowers. She moved with her parents to Pacquet when she was five years old. As a young woman, she finished her schooling and then began working at her grandfather Milley's store and afterwards as a postmistress at the post office in Pacquet.

On October 8, 1947, she met and married world war veteran, Ewen Gillingham (nickname, Yo). Together they raised eight children, five girls and three boys.

Audrey was skilled at both needle and thread sewing and she made most of her children's clothing, and made many quilts. Audrey was a gentle woman who spent her life devoted to God and her family. One of her favourite pastimes was reading.

Over the years, while raising her family, she was involved much in the work of the Lord with First United Church at Pacquet. Audrey was Sunday school superintendent, as well as serving on the church board, and involved in the UCW and Christmas programs.

Left with fond memories are her children, Donna Kurtz, Calgary, AB, Barbara Cathers (Ray), Victoria, BC, Wayde Gillingham (Judy), Pacquet, NL, Linda Norman (Bryce), Pacquet, NL, Dean Gillingham (Beulah), Tumbler Ridge, BC, Sharon Sacrey (Howard), Pacquet, NL, Angela Sacrey (Danny), Pacquet, NL and Robbie Gillingham (Joanne), Pacquet, NL; 20 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; as well as extended family, Corrine Ward; brother, Howard Bowers (Joyce); brother-in-law, Harold Bussey (Melvie); sisters-in-law, Daphne Bowers, Evelyn Gillingham and Rita Gillingham, along with many nieces, nephews and a large circle of other relatives and friends and special niece, Joy Milley (whom she considered as one of her own).

Audrey is predeceased by her husband, Ewen Gillingham; infant son, Bobby; parents, James and Grace Bowers; parents-in-law, Stanley and Leah Gillingham; brother, James Bowers (Joan) and Harry Bowers; sisters, Marion Bussey and Barbara Layte (Carl); siblings-in-law, Hubert Gillingham, Leslie Gillingham, Gwen Lane (Frank), Viola Norman (Gus), Norma Bowers and Edna Bowers; sons-in-law, Michael Gebler and Norman Kurtz; grandson, Shane Kurtz.

Public visitation will take place from Pacquet United Church on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

The funeral service will take place from Pacquet United Church on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 2 pm with Reverend Harry Oake officiating. Interment will follow from the United Church Cemetery, Pacquet, NL.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are gratefully accepted.

Special thanks to the staff of White Bay Retirement Living and Acute and Long Term Care at Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre for their care and compassion.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Baie Verte, NL.