Helen Audrey (Smith) Gilman

Audrey Gilman (nee Smith) passed away peacefully on August 19, 2023 while living at Trinity Care Centre in Penticton, BC. She was born on January 17, 1921 in Madoc, ON where she attended school and resided there until she was married.

Audrey is survived by her granddaughters, Holly (Javier) and Nicole; and great-grandson, Leo.

Audrey was predeceased by her daughter, Ann; sons, Phil and Sandy; grandson, Peter; and sister, Elaine Bennett.

Audrey and her children moved to Naramata in 1958. She began working at CIBC in Penticton where she was a valuable member of the team until her retirement. She made many, many friends through both her work and her activities in the communities of Penticton and Naramata. Audrey was a very active member of the Penticton (BPW) Club, a branch of the International Federation Of Business & Professional Women (BPW).

She was famous for hosting and annual BPW Strawberry Tea in her garden in Naramata. 

Audrey was a very talented and skilled person. I cannot imagine her not being able to do anything she set her mind to and do well. While still in Ontario she decided she would like to learn to fly. She flew. Ice skating appealed to her so she became a proficient ice skater. Among her many other interests and talents were painting, calligraphy, knitting, sewing, playing piano, curling and square dancing to name a few.  She was very generous in sharing the fruits of her talents as many friends and family can attest.

Audrey’s most wonderful talent was the ability to be joyful and bring joyfulness to those around her. Her philosophy was to look for the positive in even in sadness and adversity. She said, “I put a smile on my face and make the best of it.” She would often comment on how lucky she was. No Audrey, those around you are the lucky ones for having known you and have our lives touched by you.  We want to than to thank the entire staff at Trinity Care Centre for their great kindness and care for Audrey.   

No service by request. A gathering for family and friends will be at a later date. Donations will be gratefully accepted by the Penticton Hospital Foundation for Trinity Care Centre and the new Oncology Department.

“You can shed tears because I am gone or you can smile because I was here.”

We know what Audrey would tell us to do! Thank you Audrey, we love you.