Dear ESA Community,
I am very sorry to inform you that Gillian Watters, one of our students, has passed away. The family will be having a service here at the school on Monday, August 10th at 3 pm. The school will be open from 2 pm for family and friends to gather in the library for talk and companionship. We will have a team of Social Workers present for those who would like to speak to someone. I have also appended some resources from our Social Worker that students and parents may find helpful. Please click here for a list of resources (BEREAVEMENT RESOURCES) and here for information on bereavement(Facts about Grief).
Gillian’s mom, Heidi, wanted to make sure that all of Gillian’s friends know how much they meant to her and how appreciative Gillian and the whole family was of the unwavering support shown by so many; she felt loved and cared for from the first diagnosis until the very end.
Heidi also wanted to share Gillian’s obituary with you:
Gillian Claire Watters, 16, of Mississauga, passed away August 1, 2015 at the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 4, 1999, the daughter of Heidi Schobel and Robert Watters. She attended Trelawny Public School, Kenollie Public School, Queen Elizabeth Middle School and was attending Etobicoke School of the Arts, in Toronto, where she majored in dance.
Gillian was a competitive dancer from the age of 6 and started ballet at 2 ½. She was an avid skier, supreme board gamer and friend to all.
Gillian is survived by her parents, Heidi Schobel and Robert Watters; brothers Trevor, Brian and Jason; maternal grandparents, Sandy and Bruno Schobel; paternal grandmother, Patricia Watters; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and a collection of the most supportive and caring friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider a donation to Sick Kids Foundation.
(Please note, the entire TDSB network will be down from August 6 until August 9, so if you have any questions about the service at the school, I will not be able to answer emails until the morning of August 10th).