With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Celia (Silja) Gallant on September 30, 2023 at the age of 87.
She was a loving Wife, Mom, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. If we had to pick one word to describe our mom, it would be Family. Her joy was found in her family. She was born on April 20, 1936, in Meadow Portage, Man. The youngest of 13 children, she loved being surrounded by a large and loving family and she adored every one of them.
At the age of 14, Celia and her mom plus 3 siblings moved to Port Arthur leaving a piece of her heart in Meadow Portage and all that it meant to her.
At the age of 16 took on a job as a cookee in Caramat, On at a bush camp. That is where she met the Company Clerk Ralph Gallant. As time unfolded, they fell in love and began their life together by getting married on April 11, 1955, in Port Arthur. And to date have been married for 68 years.
Our home was always filled with the coming and going of Aunties, Uncles, cousins, and friends. The more people around, the better she liked it! After all she was used to that, coming from a family of 15. She enjoyed gardening and all things centered around the home and was a wonderful cook and baker. And she loved to dance. Oh, how she loved to dance!
Celia is survived by, and lovingly held in the hearts of her husband Ralph, children Ray (Cindy Morellato), Kim (Gerry Margarit) and Kelly (George Ward), Grandchildren Laura Shott, DJ Shott (Kathleen Romanson), Christian Ward (Britney Duchesne), Step grandchildren Valerie Margarit (Walter Turek) and Robin Margarit (James Durant) and the Greats Calvin and Avery Shott.
Celia was predeceased by her parents Aili and Frank Koski, her 12 siblings and their partners whom she loved equally. Granddaughter Rebecca Rae - Lynn Gallant (1994) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service for Celia Gallant will be held at a later date, as well as a private interment. If friends desire, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
The family would like to thank the 3rd floor at Bethammi where mom resided for the last 7 months for their care and help. A grateful thank you to Dr. Feldstein for his kindness and compassion to our mom. Your care made all the difference and helped us through such a difficult time. A special thank you to two others as well – RN David for all your help, care and compassion throughout it all and your kind words of support. And to the PSW Patrick who treated mom with so much care and dignity. Every time you were on shift, made her feel at ease for she would tell us she could count on you. Each of you are outstanding and our hearts are forever grateful. During moms stay at St Joe’s Hospital there are 2 people to also thank. Gioia from Spiritual care and an angel of a nurse – Ruth. Blessings to you all.
“You are forever in our hearts our Sisu Mama”
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
