Lillian Bertha Gallant

Lillian Bertha Gallant (née Barrett) died at 99.  She was planning on having a big party for her 100th birthday. Lillian is predeceased by her three siblings -- Bob (Ann), Elma (Johnny), and Harold (Win) -- her grandson Sean (Jodi), her adopted daughter (Jean), and her husband (Art). Lil and Art were married for 53 years.  Lillian is survived by her granddaughter (Cindy), great-grandchildren -- Ben, Maddy, Andrew, and India -- and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Lillian was a force of nature whose energy was unbounded. She loved children, music, and dancing. In her youth, she was a soprano with a powerful voice. She sang in church choirs, sang as a wedding soloist, and sang lullabies to the many foster children she loved and cared for. She helped the children become healthy and helped them to be considered for adoption into a forever home. Lillian thought Jean was the most beautiful, best, and easiest daughter in the world to raise. Lillian was a Brownie leader, a Girl Guide Captain, and a lifelong Legion member who held almost every leadership position at the executive level over the years. She was known as the “Sergeant-Major,” and people laughed as they happily followed her good-natured commands. If there was a cause that needed the efforts of many participants, she was there to do her part.

During WWII, Lillian worked at a war plant, making munitions. She was part of the Rosie Riveter young women who rolled up their sleeves and made a contribution to the war effort by doing the labour that, in peace times, would have been done by the men.  After marriage, the birth of a daughter that was stillborn, and several years working at home, Lillian then entered paid employment in retail and then as a switchboard operator, eventually becoming an executive secretary at McIntyre Mines.

In later years, Lillian moved from Toronto to Huntsville to be closer to her family. She enjoyed 16 years in her beloved bungalow and ten years at Muskoka Traditions retirement home. 

Family and friends are invited to get together for a Celebration of Life at 11:30 am on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 21 Veterans Way, Huntsville