Gillian Mary Watkinson, beloved spouse of the late Gerrit (Gary) Stoffer, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025 at the age of 67 years.

Gill was born and raised in Lethbridge; she fell in love with English, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from the University of Lethbridge in 1986. She spent her career surrounded by books, first at the Lethbridge Public Library and then at Chinook Arch Regional Library System. She loved to meet with her writer’s group, exchanging thoughts, and sharing pieces.

Gill met Gary, the love of her life, in 1998, spending the next 19 years exploring, entertaining, and sharing family traditions. They loved to take drives throughout southern Alberta and BC to admire the beautiful views, camp, dine with friends, or simply be in each other’s company. They kept one another anchored through both calm and stormy waters. Gill cherished the home they created together; it was her haven for reflection and rejuvenation.

She has been there for all of us; soccer games and recitals, weddings and divorces, loves and losses, pumpkin-carving, Christmases, Easter gatherings, a glass of wine, dinner dates, a listening ear, and a safe space to run to. She always had exactly the right thing to say, and her laugh would light up a room.

Gill had a deep connection with the earth, and all things that grow from it. She welcomed all the birds and other critters to her garden, sharing the peaceful moments, with those she loved, often over a good cup of tea.

Gill is mourned by Kate Dyson, Sarah (Trevor) (Gavin and Bailey) Sheets, Kyla (Stephen) (Teddy and Ellie) Calvert, Sydney (Noah) (Walker and Colter) Gapp, Bev (Alan) Jackson, Karen Kay, Pat (Barrie) Lewis, Linda (Norm) McElravy, Wendy Merkley, Susan Nowell-Watkinson, Deirdre O’Connell, Julie (Gary) Pike, Aimee Brooke (Alex) St. Pierre, and many friends and family.

Gill is predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Carol Watkinson, and her soulmate, Gary.

Special gratitude to the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care for providing such compassionate comfort; she felt safe and loved in their care. She wished to thank her work family at Chinook Arch Regional Library System for all their support. She was also very humbled by the kindness shown by family and friends over the last months.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, 411 11 St S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with a private internment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge & District Humane Society or any charity that reflected her spirit.