This site is a tribute to Gillian Gaines - known to all as Jill - who was much loved by everyone who knew her for her love of life, her belief in the goodness of people and in fairness, her devotion to child health, her caring nature and her love of her family and friends. 

Jill was a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law and friend to many. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going to the theatre and to art exhibitions, reading and discussing books and doing the Guardian crossword (in double quick time!). She loved gardens, flowers and plants, especially tending her own garden and spending time in Dean Gardens in Edinburgh visiting her tree - her special Silver Princess- and thinking about the world, her family and friends. She and Alec would spend many hours wandering the gardens and walking along the Water of Leith.

Jill kept in touch with friends and family from around the world -  from Thailand, Turkey, US, the Netherlands, France and Germany - and whilst in later years she was not able to travel as much, she delighted in receiving visits from friends and family from across the globe.    

Jill and Alec had been married for 60 years and their partnership took them to Thailand and Turkey. Jill shared Alec’s passion for a more outward looking and understanding world - going with Alec to many United Nations Association meetings and looking after and helping students from many different countries over many years.

Jill was also a strong and passionate believer in the cause of child health. Having been a patient in Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children as a child she later went on to become a senior nurse at the hospital. This was a cause which she continued to support through her life. At Great Ormond Street she also made her own mark on women’s rights, becoming the first nurse at the hospital to be allowed to live outside the hospital and get married.

Our mother was a lovely person who brought warmth and a love of life with her. We are deeply saddened by her loss; her absence is felt sorely and we shall miss her terribly. The family would like to thank the many people who have been in touch with messages of condolence.

We are also so very grateful to the staff and volunteers at St Columba’s who looked after her so wonderfully in so many ways, from the special jacuzzi baths to helping us to create a flower garden for her in her room. They gave Jill and the whole family support, care and compassion in her final weeks.

Jill’s family