Obituary of Doreen Esme (Gunner) Tilley Robinson
On Saturday, February 17th, 2018, the Good Lord came to escort our mother, Doreen Esme (Gunner) Tilley Robinson, on her next journey. Mum has left a legacy of a loving and caring family, including Ann-Marie (Tilley) Bennett and her husband Frank; Jacqueline Mary (Tilley) Schaus and her husband Dan; Sondra Aurena Tilley (Gulliford) Sasse and her husband Bill; Maureen Robinson Burns and her husband Ron; and William (Billy) Robinson. Our family has grown to include Mum’s grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jonathan (Kim) Bennett and children Jason, Luc, and Keira; Stuart (Cathy) Bennett and children Sydney and Cameron; Todd Brent (Melissa) Schaus; and Tyler James (Zinnia Clark) Schaus. Mum was the last remaining member of a generation of “Tilleys” and, as matriarch, she is survived by many nieces and nephews and their children. Mum was predeceased by our father, Charles Roy Tilley (1971), our stepfather, Wm. Robert “Bertie” Robinson (1998), and son-in-law, Paul D. Gulliford (1990). Mum was born December 3, 1923, in Worplesdon, Surrey, England to John Ernest and Eva (Jelly) Gunner. As we look back on our mother’s long life, we remember the many good times we shared on Boler Road in Byron, MacMillan Crescent in Chatham, then back to London. Mum became an active member of the OWA (Overseas Wives Association) and the IODE. Mum’s designing, sewing, knitting and crafting talents became well-known, far beyond her immediate family. Over the years, Mum became known as the “Teddy Bear Lady” as she knitted many “people” and dressed countless teddy bears, donating all to The Children’s Hospital Foundation. Every July 1, Mum celebrated her adopted land with a red and white themed party. No one was more proud to be a Canadian than our transplanted mother. Please remember our mother as a devoted Canadian who welcomed all into her home, as Canada welcomed her so many years ago. A celebration of Mum’s life will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Private interment in Woodland Cemetery at a later date. As a remembrance of Mum, we would welcome a donation to your favourite charity. A very sincere and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to family and friends who have visted Mum and who have shared stories and laughs with us. We are grateful for the kindness and compassionate care Mum received while a resident at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence on Blackwater Road in London.
