MATILDA “TILLIE” GANDEN

Posted: January 11th, 2016

NEWS FILE PHOTO Tillie Ganden, who devoted much of her life to playing the piano and delighting the people of Medicine Hat, has passed away at the age of 95.

NEWS FILE PHOTO
Tillie Ganden, who devoted much of her life to playing the piano and delighting the people of Medicine Hat, has passed away at the age of 95.


1920 ~ 2016

Tillie passed away peacefully at Masterpiece River Ridge at the age of 95 years, the loving wife of the late Ed Ganden (1987). She leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Ted (Wallie), Ken (Lynn), Julie (Murray) Rogers; 11 grandchildren; 17 1/2 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Justine (Bill) Osborne; sisters-in-law, Agnes Nicholson and Lorraine Buckley as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Alfred and Patrick. Our mother was amazing. She shared her talents and volunteered weekly for over 40 years, retiring in January 2015. She travelled by city transit to entertain at such places as CORE, Hospital Assessment Centre, Day Hospital, Riverview, Valleyview and Sunnyside amongst others. Her mission was to share her music and joyful spirit. Mom met Dad in 1938 when he came for dance lessons in Calgary. They married in 1940 and had 47 happy years together. She was honoured by the City receiving a Humanitarian Award at 82 years and also Senior of Distinction Arts Award in 2010. Tillie’s achievements and awards spanned from 1936 to 2014, too numerous to mention and all well earned. Mom lived independently until July 2015, when she moved to her new home at Masterpiece. Mom believed in her Heavenly Father; her lifelong dedication to St. Barnabas Church goes back 75 years. She excelled in her role as wife, mother and grandmother. Mom was Ed’s bookkeeper, ran her dance studio and volunteered. She was always organized and taking care of everyone. With family, friends and caregivers, we were there to give back to her for all her sacrifices to others. She was the most amazing mother and grandmother, kind beyond belief, loving, generous and always a joy. She never complained and loved everyday of her life. The Funeral Service will be celebrated at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 635 – 4 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, on Monday, January 11, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Dr. David Carter officiating. Private Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Tillie may be made to CORE Association, 412 – 3 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0H1 or AJ`s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, McKenzie Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 7H3. Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

2 Condolences for “MATILDA “TILLIE” GANDEN”

  1. Barb Bruins says:

    Julie and Family,

    Thinking about you at this time…Tillie was a big part of “The Bruins” family and I was told of all the fun times that you all had.

    Take Care…

  2. John and Josie Weatherhead says:

    Ted, Ken Julie
    Auntie Tillie was a very special person in my families life, she was a wonderful friend to mom and dad. We had many good times when our families got together.
    She will be greatly missed.
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

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