Obituary of Esther Winnifred Gilkie

87, Halifax, NS, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, October 5, 2024.  Born on November 23, 1936 in Halifax, she was a daughter Francis and Audrey (Smith) Gray.  Throughout her life, Esther, was known for her love of dancing, playing bingo, and cards with her card partner, Rosa.  Mom always looked forward to her Monday crib game with Lynn.  She enjoyed camping, was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Elmsdale Branch #48, and loved her trips to the Lower Deck for her pan-fried fish and chips with gravy paired with a Pepsi (not diet!!).   For 11 years, Esther had worked with Dexter Construction as a flagger.  She was a woman who loved her family dearly and is survived by her children, Leah (Maurice) Oakley, Lynn Gray (Ken), Wendy Gilkie, and Timmy Gilkie.  She will be remembered by her siblings, Joyce Richardson, Evelyn (Gordon) Brown, and Jimmy Gray (Gale), and sisters-in-law, Eva Mae Gray, Lorraine Gray, Shirley Gray, and Juanita Gray. Nanny will be missed by her 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Charles A. Gilkie, her parents, brothers, Albert, Maurice, Randel, and Frankie, a daughter-in-law, Lillian “Boopsie” Gilkie, a son-in-law, Ronald “Ronnie” Gray, a brother-in-law, Murray Richardson and her companion, James Lightle.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to all the staff of Melvin Gardens for their excellent care given to our mom over the last 11 years.  All the residents, staff, nurses and doctors were like family to Esther, thank you for being her extended family.  The family would also like to express their thanks to the staff at the Dixon Centre for their quick action on getting our mom to the QEII and to the 7.4 staff for their excellent care given.

Cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home and visitation will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the funeral home.  A funeral service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Esther to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. James’ United Church, Sambro, NS.  To leave words of comfort for the family, please visit www.walkerfh.com