Gabrielle Elizabeth Walker

 

Surrounded by her loving family, Gabrielle Elizabeth Walker (MacGillivray) passed away peacefully on April 5, 2022 at the age of 83.

This is not an obituary about being sad; she did not care for being sad. She lived a full life and instilled many life lessons, often with her twisted humor, to help guide us along the way.

Born on October 11, 1938, to the late Neil and Mary MacGillivray (MacDonald), she grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Nanny often reminded us, her grandchildren, that she was “the most beautiful girl in Sydney” and regaled us with stories of growing up at Moxham Castle. In our eyes, she was royalty. She would tell us these stories on the deck of her French vale home, tapping a cigarette, which sat next to a glass of rum. To us she was the perfect woman. Perhaps that is what caught the eye of her late husband John Walker, all those years ago at a local dance.

Gabrielle’s greatest purpose and pride in her life was family, nothing else was more important. She had a strong set of values and arguably even stronger self-confidence.

Together, Gabrielle and John raised nine children in their beloved Frenchvale home, where they made many lasting memories. She will be dearly missed by her children, Johnny (Kathy), Louise (Lorne), Debbie (Earl), Danny (Darlene), Hughie, Darlene (Kenny), Wanda (Donnie), Denise, James (Natalie) and Tracy (Steve) McAllister. She was also adored by her 18 grandchildren, Mandy, Gerard, Loree, Clayton, Tiffany, Ryan, Tara, Danielle, Caitlin, Stephen, Colin, Cassaundra, Kenneth, Amy, Laura, Gabrielle, Vanessa, Seamus, her many great-grandchildren; as well as her brothers Gerard MacDonald and Paul Boutilier; and sisters in law Mary Jeannette and Christina (Victor).

Beside her parents and husband, Gabrielle was predeceased by her granddaughter Mandy; her brothers Wentworth, James and Bruce; her sisters in law Katie Wall, Rhodena Currie, Andrea Walker and brothers in law Dougie Walker, Michael Currie, Billy Bennett and Dougie Wall; as well by her furry companion Charlie (if not her favorite child, definitely the best looking).

Gabrielle will be remembered by her family and friends for her quick wit and even bigger heart. She was (very) honest, always entertaining and never hesitated to help others in any way she could. No words can sum up the impact Gabrielle made in this world, but her love and actions will live forever through all of us.

Until we meet again, we hope heaven is stocked with your favorite things and that you are dancing again with Grampie.

Cremation has taken place under the Care and Direction Of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.

There will be a private family service.