Obituary of Terreena Gilliland
It is with great sadness but in celebration of a life well lived that I, Terreena Marie Gilliland gained my wings after a fight with cancer. "I didn't lose the fight with cancer, just not going to win this one". I passed away at the Sussex Health Center on January 4, 2023. Born in Saint John January 18, 1959. Daughter of the late Russell and Alice (Thorne) Gilliland.
I am survived by my loving husband of 23 years Russell Stewart, Sussex, sons Chris Thorne (children Tyler, Cody, Cameron and Maisyn) Wards Creek, Shane Gilliland, Miramichi, Stepdaughter Sara Michaud (children Nevaeh and Lyrik) brother Gerald Gilliland (Sharon) Rothesay, Uncle Otis Thorne, Cody's, in-laws Judy Armstrong (late David) Mt. Middleton, Eric Stewart (Cathy) Saint John, Brenda Belding (Murray) Pleasant Ridge, NB. Several nieces and nephews. My best Friends of 45+ years Heather Maughan, Rothesay and Debbie Hutchinson Eagles, Quispamsis and my 2 beloved fur babies Jax and Gemma.
I am predeceased by my parents, parent’s in-law Ward and Lois (Seymour) Stewart and fur babies Buddy and Cally.
I held may administrative positions notably DTI Saint John and Sussex where I retired in 2015, I sure didn't miss the commute, but I sure missed the people, making lots of everlasting friendships. Poley Mountain which I enjoyed seeing people having fun and Downey Ford Sussex, special thanks to Ryan and Murray O'Connor and the Downey gang for being so supportive during my illness.
I lived a full life with my very adventurous spirit. Russ and I travelled extensively starting in 2009 in Las Vegas, we travelled there many times usually to take in a UFC fight. A couple of Music Cruises with Lynard Skynard and ZZ Top and several others. I often said I was glad to be old enough to see all the great bands. As well seeing Rod Stewart and Tina Turner with my Besties, most often able to score VIP Tickets.
My adventurous spirit led us to Hawaii whether it be in a helicopter, submarine, catamaran or just sitting on the beach in Hanelei Bay watching the sunset over the Pacific, it was the most magical place I had ever been. A full transit through the Panama Canal, hiking in Costa Rica, dredging through the murky waters in a hollowed-out tree, visiting an Ostrich farm in 104+ temp, when asked why we did that, Russ said it kept me out of the jewellery stores. However, I did manage to get an authentic Panama Hat, which I lost on another trip during a windstorm in Mexico with my besties. We spared nothing, lived like Queens, except for I was always known as the "Princess".
Our last cruise was across the pond from Miami to the Azores, England where I was able to fulfill my mother's dream of visiting Buckingham Palace, German, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia and Denmark. From here we travelled to Paris where I was able to attend mass at Notre Dame Cathedral.
One night over cocktails, Heather and I planned a road trip, Thelma and Louise style to visit Debbie in Ontario, so we packed up the trunk with Moosehead Products and away we went.
During my involvement with Mullin's Mile there are numerous stories with good friends Debbie McCready and Peggy Barton, usually ended up with law enforcement being involved but we always had a good chuckle. Many excursions on the motorcycles, many great memories.
After travelling I settled on the beautiful Washademoak Lake at Mic Mac Campground for 4 great seasons, where I met great campers. I called it my "Happy Place" where I loved to entertain. Special thanks to my camping buddies for all the support especially my final season. My last wish was to be able to feel well enough to have one last season and I DID, thanks to the Mullins Mile for making that possible.
Another highlight was being reunited with old school chums after 40+ years the Wing Girls 59, some as far back as Kindergarten, Laura, Lenora, Pam, Kim, Carol, Jackie (Janice, Patricia and Glenda) always a memorable time.
Special thanks to Dr. Mike Haslett, (Megan & Patti), Dr. C Russell, Dr. Samantha Gary, Dr. Robert Thompson, SJRJ Oncology, Sussex Health Centre IV Day Clinic, Lindsay Bettle, PharmaChoice Sussex, Extra Mural, Hospice Sussex. Mullins Mile for your love and financial support. And all my amazing friends for all the love and support.
At my request no formal visitation or funeral services will be held. I ask you to Celebrate my life with friends and loved ones and to "Raise a Glass" in my memory on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 2pm at the Mule Bar and Grill (49 Winter St, Sussex, NB).
Donations in Terreena’s honour may be made to the Mullins Mile Motorcycle Fundraiser, or to a charity of your choice.
"Now on to the next Big Adventure"
