Gillian Grant-Donovan
March 21, 1953 to November 5, 2024
Obituary
Gillian passed away peacefully in the presence of her family after a long battle with Cancer.
Gillian was a multi-sport athlete and as an elite athlete she represented Canada internationally
on the Canadian Track and Field team in Racewalking. She represented NL in Golf as both a
junior and senior; in Cross Country Skiing; and Triathlon. She represented Memorial University
as a competitive swimmer and rowed in the Royal St. John’s Regatta. She ran many races
including marathons and the Tely 10 several times.
Gillian taught many students over her 30 year career at Holy Heart High School, St. Augustine’s
Primary and Hazelwood Primary. Teaching brought her great joy.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Gerald (Gerry) Donovan and her parents Dr. George
and Margaret Grant. Leaving with fabulous memories, son Callum; sister Alison Powell (Don)
and nieces Shari and Cati; sister Fiona Grant (Bruce Sheppard), niece Alexandra Power (Ryan),
and nephews Carl Sheppard (Elsa) and Ian Sheppard (Sarah); sisters-in-law Trudy Coyle (Joe),
Marie Elliott (Neil) and Patsy Bryant (Eric). Gillian had many friends but special mention must be
made of Wendy Kipnis and Anne Browne whose love carried Gillian through good times and
challenges. She loved them dearly.
Thanks to the Community Palliative team, Paramedics and nurses. The team at the Miller Center
Palliative Care Unit were kind, compassionate and caring.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will occur at a later date.
Gillian and I became friends at St . Augustine’s Elementary School.
She was a special teacher, and a beautiful human being.
I was honoured to be her friend.
Heaven has gained another angel!
My sincere condolences to all her family.
Callum, I’m truly sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Its never easy losing a parent no matter what age you are.
If you need anything or just want to talk, I’m there to lend an ear.
Take care
Dear family of Gillian, We were teachers at HHM and I recall a dedicated and enthusiastic phys ed teacher. She made a positive difference in the lives of so many people with a life that had meaning, purpose, beauty and enthusiasm. These words could easily be her final message to all of us. “When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.”
― Frederick Buechner
My deepest sympathy in the loss of a beloved woman.
To Gillian’s family and friends.
I was saddened to find out today that Gillian had passed away earlier this month .
After the Canada Summer Games in 1977, my then husband, Ian, and I joined a running group started by Gillian. To that was added cross-country skiing.. Gillian was was so kind and encouraging, even getting us to the point where we were running competitive races!
Her friendship and those activities brought us much joy. She was indeed a special person.
Our condolences to you all
Carolyn Emerson
I met Gillian through teaching. She was so wonderful to work with. Her dedication to the children was immeasurable. She was their teacher Mom. Gillian was kind, giving, and had such a warmth and understanding way about her. Her family meant the world to her. Rest peacefully Gillian.
She was a special person indeed. She taught me PE at Holy Heart and we taught together at St. Augustine’s and Hazelwood elementary. I did her maternity replacement when she received her greatest gift Callum and when she retired I took over her kindergarten class. Both my children had Gillian as their kindergarten teacher. I always said she was the Mary Poppins of kindergarten teachers. May God welcome her home with love.
To Callum, Alison and Fiona
We were so sad when we heard of Gillian’s passing, please accept our deepest condolences.
We had the pleasure of knowing Gillian for many years through sports – racewalking, cross-country skiing and rowing. Gillian was an extraordinary athlete and a very kind and gentle lady.
May the love of family and friends help you all through this sad time.
“Fly with the Angles dear Gillian”
Gillian has been an immense source of comfort to Ellie and I over the years. We loved her very dearly. We arrived in Canada ten years ago knowing no one and having no family in Newfoundland. After Alison introduced us to Gillian, we spent every Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter after that at Gillian’s. She took such good care of us throughout the years. I cannot think of a more caring, loving, generous and gentle person. Our knitting and movie nights are red-letter memories for us. We are grateful to have known her and been blessed by her love and support.. She will be missed sorely. We offer our most profound condolences to Alison, Fiona, Callum, and her family.
I was so very saddened to hear of Gillian’s sickness and subsequent passing. She was an absolutely lovely lady. I first met her as a young teacher starting out at St. Augustine’s on Waterford Bridge Road. We shared many Sunday mornings… along with her mom.. preparing for the week ahead. Gillian was so welcoming, friendly and beyond helpful. I learned so much from her as a young teacher. She was always so prepared and had the most inviting classroom ever…. an exemplary teacher. But her strongest attribute was her caring and nurturing disposition. Very rarely would you see Gillian without a little child or two in tow or one clung to her neck. The children were always her foremost concern and she treated one and all the same. It was so fitting that her and Gerry would welcome Callum into their lives. She had so much love to give.
My deepest condolences to Callum and all of Gillian’s family. We all grieve with you.
Callum and family,
Sending deepest sympathies to you. I was so sad to hear that your mom passed away. She was such a special person who loved you so much. She was caring and kind to everyone who knew her.
I met her first when I started my teaching career and was substituting at St. Augustine’s. She was welcoming, kind and an amazing teacher.
I will always remember having chats in the halls of Vanier when you were in school. She proudly dropped you off or picked you up at the end of the day. Always a smile and a story to share.
Wishing you happy memories.
Fiona and all Gillian’s family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Gillian’s passing. A wonderful person and great athlete. I remember her in university days as being so proficient in many sports, running particularly, and being active all her life.
Sincere condolences.
Sandy
My deepest sympathy. Gillian was my teacher at HHM and encouraged me to try running and cross country skiing. She was such a great athlete and person. A great model for all.
My sincere condolences.
My sincere condolences to Gillian’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting Gillian when I was a student at Holy Heart and through sports. Gillian was an amazing Physical Education Teacher and a very warm and wonderful person. Prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
My deep condolences to Gillian’s family and friends. Gillian was a high school friend in Stephenville. A sweet accomplished person. We regularly bumped into each other over the years in St. John’s. At times, both of us with our visiting mothers, and we would all chat about Stephenville. RIP dear Gillian.
Condolences to the family! I know Ms. Grant when I went to Holy Heart from 1980-84 she was an amazing teacher and person! RIP
My sincere condolences to all family and friends. Gillian was such a kind hearted lady, that I enjoyed speaking with at every opportunity I had.
Please accept my condolences. I had the pleasure of knowing Gillian through sport. She was such a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Please accept my condolences. Gillian was an extraordinary woman. Teacher and acclaimed athlete. Very friendly and personable. I would meet her frequently on Virginia Trail while I was running . I would stop and we would have a short chat. Art Meaney
Very sorry to hear of Gillian’s passing. I worked with Gillian at Hazelwood Elementary. Passing through the office every morning was an update on Callum! She was so proud of you Callum. Your mother was a beautiful, warm and loving person, and may your wonderful memories get you through this difficult time. And to all of Gillian’s family, my sincere condolences, Sincerely, Trixie (Eady) Wight
I am very sorry to hear of Gillian’s death. She was a truly warm, kind person and great athlete. My sympathies are with family and friends. Let her rest in Peace and Love.
Saddened to hear of Gillian’s passing. An amazing athlete and person! She will be missed! I’m sure Gerry is welcoming her in heaven!
We are sad to hear this news today of Gillian’s
passing and sorry to hear she had cancer for a while.
I rowed with Gillian in the 70’s and she was our son’s first teacher at St. Augustine’s. I think she was born to be a teacher, she was so good to all of the children and made them so comfortable starting school.
She was a dedicated athlete, a wonderful person, always mild mannered. In the time that I knew her well \i can’t remember her ever being mad at anyone.
May your wonderful memories get you through the difficult days ahead and help comfort you when you hurt the most.
I am sorry to hear of Gillian’s passing. We attended Memorial University and completed Physical Education around the same time. We also collaborated on a number of projects and events over the years related to cross country skiing and triathlons. She also taught my son in his kindergarten year. She was considered by many to be a pioneer in outdoor and adventure pursuits through her teaching and her community involvement. To Callum and her extended family, please accept my sincere condolences.
To Callum, family and friends,
Gillian was a wonderful person, gifted athlete and exceptional teacher. I met Gillian a long time ago through her good friend, and mine, Anne Browne. She had a beautiful smile and a personality to match. I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. May she rest in peace.
To Callum,
Sending condolences to you on the death of your dear mother. She taught me when she was a young teacher. I always remember her beautiful smile and her kind disposition. May your good memories, be a comfort to you at this time?
So sad to hear of Gillian’s passing. She was my classmate at MUN for 4 years. In later years, we would often run into each other at the old Costco with your Mother. We had great conversations. She was a beautiful and kind person who will be missed by many.
May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten. Treasure the memories!
So sorry to hear of Mrs . Grant’s passing . She was such a beautiful person and a wonderful teacher .
She had a very positive influence on the lives of so many .
Sincere condolences to her son Callum and all her family and friends . May she rest in peace .
Mary Lou Collins
Hi Fiona and Alison, I so sorry for your loss, May Gillian rest in peace
I am so sorry to hear of Gillian’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing her and having a chat; she was a wonderful person. She was also my gym teacher at Holy Heart so we reminisced about those days many times. Thinking of her family and sending sincere condolences to you all,
Susan Ryan Goldsworthy
I am saddened to hear of Gillian‘s passing.
Gillian was a person who touched so many lives in such a positive way. She always had a smile on her face and had a kind word to say to all. She was a truly beautiful person.
My deepest condolences to all her family and friends. She will be missed by many.
Hi Gerry, I am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this tough time. May you find comfort in the support of friends and family. May Gillian rest in peace.