Lois Gilbert

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Lois Hilda Gilbert (née Belland) beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, on September 1, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 88.  Born on May 18, 1937, in Montreal, Quebec, Lois was the epitome of love and gentleness to all who were privileged to walk along the path of life with her.

Lois was very active in her church, serving in the Relief Society and Primary organizations.  She loved God, was a loyal follower of her Saviour Jesus Christ, and relied greatly on her faith throughout her life to help her through the difficult challenges she often faced. 

Although she always yearned to be a stay-at-home mother, life circumstances necessitated that she work full-time.  By selflessly taking on this role, she not only provided the necessities of life for her family, but she also instilled in her children a deep sense of duty and a strong work ethic that has carried them well in their lives.  

Her greatest happiness was having her family around her and she could be found in the kitchen making gingerbread and other delights when she had a day off from work.  We will never forget the sheer excitement of returning home from school to see her smiling face and smell the deliciousness wafting through the door as we came in. Mom was the anchor in our family and was a source of great love, kindness and compassion.

Lois loved nature and could often be found creating and caring for the beautiful gardens at the homes she lived in. She would delight in walking you through her garden introducing you to all her plants and flowers and commenting on how they were faring.  She was very creative and had many talents including art and music.  In her early years she painted beautiful artwork and in her later years, honed her musical skills from the piano lessons she learned in childhood so she could teach, but more importantly to her, to serve as a pianist at church.  

Lois was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Paul Ernest Gilbert, her parents Harry and Hilda Belland, her sister Audrey Follett, and her brother Kenneth Belland.  She is survived by her daughter Lorraine Campbell (Mike Campbell), her son Patrick Gilbert, and her four grandchildren Hannah Gilbert, Ewan Campbell, Ronin Gilbert, and Soren Gilbert.  Mom was the last of her generation in both the Gilbert and Belland family lines and she will be greatly missed.  We can only hope to be able to carry forth her legacy of love, faith, and duty to future generations.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1017 Prince of Wales Drive in Ottawa with private interment following.

Our gratitude to all the staff of the 7th floor at the Bruyère Greystone Transitional Care Unit for the care you have given our mother is beyond words.  She considered you all angels.  Thank you with all our hearts.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Bruyère Health Foundation or the Shepherds of Good Hope would be greatly appreciated.