Friends and family of a “much loved” Helensburgh resident have paid tribute to a "remarkable" lady after her death at the age of 90.
Marion Gillies was born in Helensburgh on March 9, 1933, and lived in the town for her entire life until she passed away at the town's Argyle Care Home on February 19.
An active member of several community groups in the area, Marion was a familiar face to many Helensburgh children through her work at no fewer than three local schools as well as with the local Brownies.
Her daughter Margaret said: “My mother was born and brought up in Helensburgh and lived in Helensburgh all her life. She was passionately fond of the town and its history.
“She was much loved by family and friends, and she will be missed."
Marion attended Hermitage Primary and Hermitage Academy as a child and enjoyed helping produce plays at St Bride’s Church and performing with amateur dramatics groups.
She was well known as a leader – and Brown Owl – for the Helensburgh Brownies group throughout the 1950s.
Marrying her husband Iain Gillies on July 5, 1958, Marion went on to have one daughter, Margaret.
“A light has gone out in Helensburgh," Margaret continued, "but her wish would be that others carry the flame and continue to make Helensburgh a lovely place to live.
“I am very grateful for the outstanding care that my mum has received from staff in Lochside Care Home, Argyle Care Home, and Dr Dunn and the staff in the Helensburgh Medical Centre.
“My mother cared about Helensburgh and Helensburgh has cared for her.”
Marion dedicated her life to not just the town, but the town’s children, working as a school secretary at Clyde Street School and St Joseph’s Primary.
Later she became a playgroup leader, and ended her career working at Lomond School Nursery, from where she retired in 1995.
She was remembered fondly by her colleagues who admired her care for the young people.
Annette Goram, a former colleague at Lomond, said: “[Marion was] such a lovely lady to work with.
“I remember tea parties with the children and the attention to detail in the nursery concerts.”
From 1999 until 2015, Marion was a member of Helensburgh Community Council (HCC), and served as its vice-chair.
Nigel Millar, who was HCC's chair for part of Marion's time with the group, and who remains a community councillor today, paid tribute to her passion and her campaigning zeal - particularly her efforts in establishing a regular bus service between Helensburgh and the Vale of Leven Hospital.
Mr Millar said: “She did it on her own and if she hadn’t been there, we’d be in the same position now.
“She was a remarkable lady. More than anybody who has made a difference in the town, Marion is head and shoulders above the rest of us.
“It’s been a privilege to know her, and she’s done us proud.”
Marion also was involved in the Helensburgh cherry blossom festivals, through which she made friends with a woman named Toshiko, who travelled all the way from Japan to Scotland to attend the springtime celebration of the town's much-admired fruit trees.
In February and March of 2008, Marion organised a month-long exhibition at the Helensburgh Library dedicated to one of the Clyde’s best loved paddle steamers, the Lucy Ashton, which entered service in 1888 and served through both world wars before eventually being broken up at Faslane in 1949.
The paddle steamer's wheel was presented to Hermitage Academy after the ship was dismantled, and moved with the school to its new home on Cardross Road in 2008, inspiring Marion to organise the exhibition.
With an interest in both the town’s history and future, Marion’s impact on and love for Helensburgh is undeniable and will be felt long after her passing.
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