Gayle Elizabeth Montgomery

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Gayle Montgomery at age 63, with her beloved family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer on May 15, 2022, in the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Forever missed by her children Adam and Carrie (Ken) and her partner Kathy. She was adored as ‘mama’ by her grandchildren Brendan, Dylan, and Addison, and she was a special memaw to Julie and Josh as well as Morgaine, David, and Maggie. Beloved daughter of Barbara Montgomery and the late Gordon Montgomery, dear sister to Patti, Murray, and the late Brenda, cherished aunt, and great-aunt to many. Our mom will be fondly remembered by her dearest friend Carol, as well as countless other ‘sister-friends’ she made throughout her lifetime. A constant companion, her dog Quincy was by her side every moment she was at home. Family was her priority in life, but she was equally dedicated to her career. Starting out at the Women’s Interval Home, Gayle worked shift work and attended night school to earn her degree in Psychology at the University of Windsor while raising her children. She then started as a case worker at the County of Lambton in 1990 where she quickly moved into supervisory roles until 2006 when she created a proposal to bring workshops, and poverty reduction initiatives to Sarnia-Lambton. Also, in 2006 she became a facilitator for Bridges Out of Poverty, bringing seminars to frontline workers and people living in poverty. In 2007, Gayle created the proposal to launch the first Circles poverty reduction model in Sarnia-Lambton that was met with overwhelming success and support, since then it has expanded to other cities in the province. Gayle also served as President on the board of directors at the Children’s Aid, an organization that she was very passionate about. Gayle was recognized for her career achievements with the Warden’s Award of Excellence in 2010, Mayor’s List 2019, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association in 2019. Through her work Gayle travelled across Canada as a nation recruiter for Circles Canada and presenting Bridges Out of Poverty many times to large auditoriums of people. Her presence on the stage was larger than life, and her ability to drawn in her audience was amazing to witness as she created the connections with people to create the social change she worked tirelessly to bring to life. The world is a better place because of the work she did and the lives she touched. Gayle didn’t strive for materialistic possessions, although she did like fast cars and a good power tool, she lived for moments spent with her family, friends and enjoying the simpler things in life like a cold beer on a hot day, a job well done, playing guitar and a great conversation. The last years of her life were spent right where she wanted to be, living with her children and grandchildren, and enjoying time in the workshop she built that she always dreamed of having after retirement. She loved to travel and the outdoors, with many of her summers spent camping she will be sadly missed by all her friends at her ‘camp’ in Michigan. Gayle was a fierce supporter of women’s rights, social justice, Indigenous rights, and the LGBTQ community. She used her privilege to be the voice for those unheard, and she instilled those values into her children, and grandchildren. Her legacy will live on forever in the work she did, and the social change that she achieved but it’s the lives that she touched that would always remain her proudest achievement. A special thank you to all those that supported her throughout her battle with cancer, especially all the healthcare workers at the London Regional Cancer Program, the Chatham oncology unit, the Juravinski Hospital Cancer Centre, and the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Cremation has taken place, friends and family will be received at D.J. Robb Funeral Home on Wednesday May 25, 2022, from 4-7pm. Gayle was always most comfortable in her favourite blue jeans and plaid shirts so please join us in honouring her by wearing something comfortable and casual to join us at her visitation. In keeping with Gayle’s wishes no funeral will take place but a Celebration of Life will occur at a later date.  Sympathy may be expressed by donating by mail via cheque to Lambton Circles at 150 Christina St. N Sarnia ON N7T 8H3 (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9. Memories, photographs, or messages of condolence may be shared through www.djrobb.on.ca