Cornelia Eliza GILLESPIE
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother,
Cornelia Eliza “Colleen” Gillespie, who passed away peacefully
on July 6, 2025, just shy of her 96th birthday, at La Résidence Lachute.
A long-time resident of the Laurentians, Colleen will be remembered
for her remarkable resilience, generous spirit, and deep love for the region
and its history. She was widely known for her encyclopedic knowledge of the Laurentians and was often sought out for her stories and recollections. Her storytelling, archival memory, and sense of place left a lasting mark on the community.
With hands as skilled as her memory was sharp, Colleen could knit a sweater with the same ease as she could recount decades of local lore. Her creativity, resourcefulness, and grace were reflected in everything she did—from crafting beautiful things from the simplest materials to supporting her loved ones with unwavering care and strength.
Colleen now joins her beloved husband, Clinton Donald Vipond (1929–2010), with whom she shared a life full of love, partnership, and purpose.
She is survived by her children: William (Janice, and Lynda), Angela (John), and Carolyn (Steve); and her grandchildren: Christopher, Kevin, and Jillian.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at La Résidence Lachute, where Colleen lived for the past 16 years. Their care, kindness, and presence brought her comfort and a true sense of home throughout her later years
Visitation will be held at 12 PM, and a church and graveside service will be held at Christ Church, Mille Isles, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1PM with reception and fellowship to follow at the Mille Isles Town Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Colleen’s memory may be made to the Laurentian Ski Museum, 6 Av. de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur, J0R 1R0, or the Mille Isles Protestant Cemetery Board, 1261 Mille Isles Road, J0R1A0.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to
Maison Funéraire Trudel Inc.
St-Jérôme
450-438-1234
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother,
Cornelia Eliza “Colleen” Gillespie, who passed away peacefully
on July 6, 2025, just shy of her 96th birthday, at La Résidence Lachute.
A long-time resident of the Laurentians, Colleen will be remembered
for her remarkable resilience, generous spirit, and deep love for the region
and its history. She was widely known for her encyclopedic knowledge of the Laurentians and was often sought out for her stories and recollections. Her storytelling, archival memory, and sense of place left a lasting mark on the community.
With hands as skilled as her memory was sharp, Colleen could knit a sweater with the same ease as she could recount decades of local lore. Her creativity, resourcefulness, and grace were reflected in everything she did—from crafting beautiful things from the simplest materials to supporting her loved ones with unwavering care and strength.
Colleen now joins her beloved husband, Clinton Donald Vipond (1929–2010), with whom she shared a life full of love, partnership, and purpose.
She is survived by her children: William (Janice, and Lynda), Angela (John), and Carolyn (Steve); and her grandchildren: Christopher, Kevin, and Jillian.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at La Résidence Lachute, where Colleen lived for the past 16 years. Their care, kindness, and presence brought her comfort and a true sense of home throughout her later years
Visitation will be held at 12 PM, and a church and graveside service will be held at Christ Church, Mille Isles, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1PM with reception and fellowship to follow at the Mille Isles Town Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Colleen’s memory may be made to the Laurentian Ski Museum, 6 Av. de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur, J0R 1R0, or the Mille Isles Protestant Cemetery Board, 1261 Mille Isles Road, J0R1A0.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to
Maison Funéraire Trudel Inc.
St-Jérôme
450-438-1234