My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Sorry for your loss.  Ms.V. taught me back in the 1980's, she made everyone in her drama class feel very important and was a inspiration to so many of us.  She was one of my favorite teachers.  Keep all the wonderful memories close to you heart and she will always be with you. 

Heather (Leeks) Baxter

Herbert and Charles,

We were so sad to hear the news of Willy's passing. Although we drifted apart as our son's grew older, we will always remember the days of Cubs (scouts) along the St Lawrence River where we can still hear her infectious
laughter and joy around the camp fire having fun with Charles. To read how so many lives were impacted by Willy is wonderful to see. She truly was special.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time.
Tim & Tammy Beach and family.

My deepest sympathies to both the Gillingham and Vanderwall family. Willy was a wonderful woman who believed deeply in the ties that bind family together. A devoted wife to dad, a devoted step mother to myself, Rosemary and Andrew. A devoted mother to Charles whom she loved fiercely. It was a privilege and an honour to be her step daughter. Willy was a friend, mother and gentle mentor to me and I am thankful that she was so a part of my life. Rest in peace Willy.

I was very sad to hear of "Miss V's" passing. She was my drama teacher at SCHS in the 80's and I thought of her many times over the years. I did get a chance to email her a few years ago to let her know the impact she had on me during my high school years. My condolences to her family.  She will be missed my many.

I was so lucky to know Willy as a teacher and as a colleague at Osgoode Township High School.  She was an amazing guide and mentor.  She had a calm way of responding to every situation...and usually had me laughing hysterically at the end of each day.  She was an amazing person and a phenomenal teacher who cared deeply for her students and always had time for her colleagues.  I think of her often and will miss her guidance.

The vanderWal family was a wonderful addition to the Moose Creek population. So very sorry to hear of Wilma's passing. She was "just slightly" younger than me back in the late 50's-early 60's so she was considered the baby. R.I.P. little girl.

Mrs. Gillingham was a fabulous teacher and mentor who sought the best from all of her students; she recognized our potential and pushed us to excellence. The school communities where she worked were all the better because of her presence. Mrs. Gillingham, thank you for your passion and patience. Deepest condolences to the Gillingham/VanderWal families.

Dear Mr. Herbert Gillingham and son, Charles Jacob;
I was a former drama student of your wife and mother at SCHS 80-84. Ms. V was a very special human being. So charismatic, empathic, generously shared her huge heart, had an incredible ability to know when you could give, do and be more. I was blessed to have her for the years I did as my drama teacher, mentor and friend. She was one of those people you are touched by deeply and you never forget having been inspired by her incredible zest for life and how it sparked you on your journey to be all you can be. A true beautiful spirit never to be forgotten. See you in heaven Ms. V. Heaven is now a better place again for your spirit having returned. Though I know you too walk among all your loved ones even now just in the form of your spirit and one with a very special energy. Enjoy the rest of your journey as I know you will like no other can. Sending so much love your way Ms V. My dearest deepest sympathies Herbert and Charles as you struggle to find peace in your earthly loss of your beautiful wife and mother. May God Bless you both as you journey through grief and someday find yourself in a place of peace with your wife and mother's spirit by your side.

Reading the messages from Willy's former students, I am so glad to know how she was appreciated. I knew her as a drama teacher who provided leadership to the whole board in this regard. She was just lovely....

So sorry that she has died so untimely, my condolences to the family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.  Mrs. Gillingham was an kind, dedicated and charismatic person who touched so many lives though her work. She will be greatly missed.

Sincere condolences to  family and friends. A caring colleague and true friend to all who knew her.  Christine MacDonald

Ms VanderWal was my drama teacher back in the 80s at South Carleton HS.  Her humour, enthuiasm and expression of self was contagious.  She was/is a memorable teacher and person.

Ms VanderWal taught me from 1978 - 1983 at South Carleton. Her drama classes were fabulous - challenging and demanding yet nurturing. Lunch time theatre productions were the best- and who else would have been able to get us in to paint the drama room walls on a weekend? Her lessons on the use of voice have stood me in good stead in my career as a teacher and for the media work I do - Thank you Twilly!

Mrs. Gillingham (Willie Gillie as we affectionately called her), was by far the most standout teacher I ever had. Even though it was over 15 years ago since I last saw her, it was only a few days ago I was thinking of her. I had no idea she was ill. I would like to believe that we shared a very special bond between teacher and student. Maybe this is why she was in my thoughts. She was a beautifully kind woman, with a great deal of patience (as I tested almost daily ;). I would like to thank her for her honesty and guidance. I would also thank her for her kind and true heart. 

Mrs. Gillingham, I hope you knew how truly unique and wonderful you were. A true inspiration. You will be forever missed, but will be in my heart always.
I am deeply saddened that I never got the chance to tell you this is person, but I think you knew how much I did appreciate and adore you. Well, you do now. I will see you in Heaven.

Love Always, 
Heidi Lippa

I had Mrs Gillingham for English and creative writing in high school at OTHS and I remember her fondly. She was a great teacher and a wonderful person who cared very much. I have often thought of her very fondly and will continue to do so. Mrs Gillingham made the world a better place in a very real way.

Goodbye, Ma'am. Godspeed.

Deepest condolences from a former SCHS drama student.

Mrs and Dr Luis Robles, Amanda and Mark.
We will miss you.
xox

This world is poorer for your passing Willy. Far more than a colleague, you were both a mentor and a dear friend. You brought humour and sunshine to us every day and the joy of learning to your students.

I want to offer Mrs. Gillingham's family my sincerest condolences. She was one of my high school English teachers and made a great impression on me.. I just thought you would want to know that. Erin (OTHS 1993-1998)

My deepest sympathies to the Gillingham family. I truly enjoyed her as my OAC creative writing teacher. She inspired me daily and pushed me to test my limits. Be at peace now...

I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family. She was a great teacher and will be missed by many.

I would just like to express my condolences to Mr. Gillingham, Charles and the VanderWal family.I have many fond memories of Wilma and her brothers in Moose Creek and she will be greatly missed.
                                                                            Gordon McKercher

My sincerest condolences to the family. Mrs. Gillingham was a great teacher and an influence to many students.

To Willy-Marie's family:  You were a member of my Eastern Star Chapter, and although I did not know you personally, you were well known to my Dad (Jack),late Mom (Peggy).  You will be missed by many of our Chapter members.
Donna Lee, PM
Crescent Chapter 75,
Order of The Eastern Star

Dear Herbert and Charles, 
      We would like to offer our most sincere sympathies  at the loss of a
cherish mother and a loving wife. Our thoughts and prayer are with you both and your family.
 Dolores Legault and family

I was just speaking of Mrs. Gillingham last night, and fondly recall her classes. She expected your best every time you submitted something, and as a student you would strive to give it to her!
My condolences to her family, but please know she was a well loved teacher who encouraged, and inspired every one of her students!!

Some of my fondest high school memories took place in Mrs. Gillingham's grade 12 English class.  I'll never forget her passion for teaching, her wonderful sense of humour, and her ability to motivate students.  She certainly played a role in my husband and I becoming educators.  She will be missed.  Sincere condolences to her family.

I just want to express my condolences to the family. I was fortunate to have had her as a teacher from grade nine through OAC. She was a really amazing teacher and an even better person. She will be missed.

My condolences to Willy's family. It was a pleasure working with Willy at Osgoode Township High School. We had other connections through a distant Gillingham family link and our Dutch connection. She was a wonderful person whom I'm so glad to have known.

Dear Henrietta

My most sincere sympathy for your loss.
Big hug.
Marjorie (Watts) McGinn

I remember Willy-Marie from the times when she was a member of Crescent Chapter. She will surely be remembered by their older members for her hard work, good humor. My condolences to the family.

Frits and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss.

Willy, as you go to join Pam in that better place, I add you to my list of Guardian Angels. You are not gone, only relocated, and Under New Management. Break a leg.

Willy, our journeys connected for many years as we shared what wisdom we thought we had with our students.  We laughed and sometimes cried together as we worked through those days. Those memories of a very special colleague and friend will be with me always.

OBITUARY

Willy-Marie Gillingham

19 December, 1947 – 9 September, 2013

Salon Funeraire M. John Sullivan Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services