GARTLAND, BIRDIE ELIZABETH JANE (nee VAREY) 1934- 2021 Sadly we announce that Birdie left us peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Sunnybrook Hospital. Birdie was born in Little Current, Manitoulan Island along with her older brother Duncan (Velma) and younger sister Ethel (Vic), to William and Agnes Varey.
They relocated to Toronto in Birdie’s early teens. She met Patrick Gartland, a newcomer to Canada (Belfast), in 1952 at the Mutual Skating Arena. They married in 1953. The result of that union was Patricia, Nancee (Ian) and Cathy (Neil). Sadly mom was predeceased by her parents Agnes and William, the love of her life Pat, her beloved sister Ethel and her son-in-law Neil, and brother-in law Vic. Missing her are grandkids – Ryan, Kellan and Shaylan, Hayley and Liam, Patrick and Jennifer.
Also the great-grans, Riley and Hunter, Sadie, William, Nathaniel, Jayden, Maddy and Ethan. Birdie will also be sorely missed by her brother Dunc (Velma) and their children Christine and Wendy. “Ethel Baby’s” kids Gary, Lynne and Janet will be missing her as well. We all will! We give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Drew Brotherstein and his medical team for their care and compassion in our moms’ last week. We would also thank the caring nursing staff on C6 for their kindness.
We cannot even begin to express how very grateful we are to Cedarhurst Care Home for the love, care and kindness they showed our mom over the last year and a half of her life. She gained a whole new wonderful family. Thank you. A private service for immediate family was held at Paul O’Connor Funeral Home on February 22, 2021. A celebration of Birdie’s life will be held late spring/early summer. Hopefully, on May 23, 2021 – which would have been Pat and Birdie’s 68th wedding anniversary.
If so desired, a donation may be made in Birdie’s name to FIGHTING BLINDNESS CANADA. A cause very dear to this family. Mom love you and so miss you! Clickety-click -sixty-six