Obituary of Gayle Authier

Sharing with sadness that our mom, Gayle Authier, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025.  Mom was a fiercely independent woman known for her many talents and her unwavering strength.  She cared deeply for those she loved.

Gayle is survived by the two best things she did in life (her words, not ours),  daughter Corey Hilliard (John) and son Mike Authier (Johanna), as well as  her five grandchildren Jay Hilliard (Lisa), Kylie Wood (Bryan), Clinton Hilliard (Tamara), Nicole Hilliard (Maryn) and Hailey Authier (Josh), as well as her five great-grandchildren William, Mica & Elliott Hilliard and Luke & Aurora Wood.  Most of all, she will be deeply missed by her two cats, bonded sisters Fleur and Tobey, who have been with her for almost 16 years.

Gayle was the first born of Joffre & Ellen Brown in Port Lambton, Ontario.  Born on the family farm, she also lived in London, ON, Victoria BC, West Lorne, ON and for the last several years, St. Marys, ON.  She is survived by brothers Pat and Don, and sisters Lee Anne, Lynn and Mary Lou.  She is predeceased by two brothers, Michael (1944) and Doug (1980).  She will be missed by special friends in St Marys, neighbour Katie and “adopted” family, Janice & Bryan.

We shall miss Mom's commentaries on life, her piano playing, and her remarkable ability to recall details about the British monarchy which would rival that of tenured professors.  We will also miss her legendary apple pies!  We thank her for sharing her love and interest in travel which has encouraged many of the family to explore countries and continents around the world.  We will cherish the works of art she has created through her love of sewing, needlework, petit point, cross stitch and other hand crafts.  

No service is planned per her wishes. We encourage everyone to hug their loved ones today and cherish the moments you have together.

PS - While this is an old pic, we really like it and think she'd prefer that this is one we share.