St. Mary's Church Grafton
103 Lyle St. S., Grafton ON K0K 2G0,
St. Mary's Cemetery
Grafton
MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E.,
Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
It is with profound sadness for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Mary Gilligan (née Askins), a proud Irish women devoted to God, loving wife, cherished mother, beloved Granny, and dear friend, who passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
For 60 wonderful years, Elizabeth shared a beautiful marriage with the love of her life, Tim. Together, they set sail on a beautiful voyage through life and built a life rooted in faith, unconditional love, family, and dancing. Above all else, Elizabeth was a loving and devoted mother to Marina (Don) and Timothy (Patty), who were the pride and joy of her life.
Known affectionately as “Granny” to her six beloved grandchildren — Shannon (Brooks), Sinead (Jesse), Roisin (Aidan), Colleen, Eilis (Ryan), and Conor — she treasured every moment spent with them, filling their lives with endless love, warmth, wisdom, and cherished memories.
She now rests peacefully, reunited with those who went before her, including her beloved parents, Edward and Molly Askins.
She was also a loving sister to Patrick (Helen), Maureen (Jim, RIP) Liam RIP (Mary RIP), Catherine (Padraig RIP), Martin (Margaret) sharing bonds filled with lifelong love, laughter, and treasured memories. She was dearly loved by her many nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Elizabeth was a proud business owner for more than 45 years and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her work, her farm, and especially her beloved garden, where she found great peace and happiness. Her strength, determination, and generous spirit touched all who knew her.
A true woman of God, Elizabeth was a devoted member of the Catholic Women’s League for 50 years and lived her faith daily through acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others. She will be remembered for her selflessness, gentle nature, unwavering faith, and the love she so freely gave to everyone around her.
“My Garden beautifies my yard and adds fragrance to the air but it is also my cathedral and quite place of prayer. So little do we realize that the glory and the power of he who made the universe lies hidden in a flower"
An Irish Blessing:
"May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing, but happiness come through the door."
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 103 Lyle St S, Grafton, on Friday May 15th, 2026 at 11:00am. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. All are invited for a reception after at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St. E, Cobourg.
If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Dear Uncle Tim & family Thinking of you all at this sad time.
My deepest condolences. Many fond memories at the queens hotel.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Dear Tim, Marina and Timothy, our sincerest condolences on the loss of Liz. She was such a caring and loving lady. She would always greet you with a big smile and ask how you were doing. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and may your cherished memories give you strength in the days ahead. Don and Rose
My deepest condolences to you Tim and your family, thinking of you all with many wonderful memories over the years.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Tim, Marina & Timothy, I am so sad to hear of Liz’s passing. I will always cherish my times laughing and chatting away with her, in your home and in Ireland. You were blessed to have such a wonderful wife and mom. I’m sure you miss her terribly and my heart aches for you all. May she rest in peace. Thinking of you with love. Melinda
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Tim, Marina and Tim and families... Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Liz. She was a truly caring, thoughtful, generous, and hardworking person whose kindness touched the lives of so many. Her giving spirit and the love she shared with her family and community will always be remembered. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Kirk and Angie Chittick (formerly Clark)
Our sincere condolences. She was a great lady. A donation has been sent to Canadian Cancer Society.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Dear Tim , Marina & Tim Jr. on behalf of the Mazurek family we want to express our sadness on Liz’s passing and extend our sincere condolences to each of you at this very difficult time. Liz made a true impact on me & everyone she met. Her kindness & genuine personality would make everyone aspire to be a better person! Sending each of you love 💕 & prayers
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Gilligan’s passing. Although I did not know her closely, she was always such a kind and gentle presence at church. I will always remember how happy she was when I gave her the Stations of the Cross picture that she had hoped to win. She often told me how much it meant to her and that she kept it hanging in her bedroom. That memory has stayed with me. My prayers and heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
My sincere condolences to the Gilligan family.... Tim ,Tim Jr.and Marina ,may your memories of Liz comfort your loss.
May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. You are in our thoughts
Marina and Tim : very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Our thoughts are with you and your families.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Tim, Marina and young Tim, we are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Liz. We have many memories on Thornlea with the Gilligan family. Liz was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. Doug and Ursula
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Tim, Timothy, and Marina and family on the loss of lovely Liz. We were honoured to have known her. The service was a touching and dignified tribute, with family and friends gathered from all corners of the world… just as she would have wanted. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
My condolences to you Tim and Timothy and Mariana I know we haven’t spoke in a few years but I want you to all know that Liz was a great part of my life … I cherished all our talks and laughs and tears in her kitchen she helped me get through a lot of personal problems and kept me to be a good person I will cherish our time together
Sincere sympathy to Uncle Tim, Marina, Timothy and Families on the loss of your beloved Elizabeth. Our thoughts and prayers are with ye all at this very sad and difficult time. May Elizabeth rest in external peace.
Our sincere condolences on Liz’s passing. Always a cheerful hello whenever we met. Truly a beautiful woman. Thinking of Tim, Marina and Tim and their families during this difficult time.
Tim S, Tim J, and Marina and family. I am sorry for your loss. My mother was the cook for the QUEENS HOTEL for many years. Mom always liked Liz. It is sad to see and hear the pillars of Colborne, are gaining their wings. Hold each other through this difficult journey ahead. May your memories ease some ans God speed through the pain.
Sincere Sympathy to you Tim and your lovely family at this time of great sorrow. Liz was an extraordinary woman with a heart that knew no measure. I am thankful for having had the pleasure of knowing her over the years. Sending love and strength to all! Gen
So sorry to hear of Elizabeth's passing. Sincere sympathy to Tim Marina and Timothy. She was a real lady. God rest her soul. Thinking of you all at this sad time. .
Sincere condolences to Uncle Tim, Marina and Timothy on the sad passing of your beloved Elizabeth. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. May Elizabeth Rest in Peace
We will miss our conversations with Liz on our walks talking about our families. A truly kind and thoughtful person who will be missed. Safe travels x
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Sorry for your loss she was a very kind lady she will be missed.
The last time I saw Liz was in Northumberland Hills Hospital in the cafeteria where she was doing as she always did so well, helping out a friend. I’ll will always remember her for her kindness.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
So sorry for you loss. MRS Gilligan as I knew her growing up on Thornlea. I remember her at work in that front garden while the hockey games raged out in the circle. She later became Liz to me once I turned 19 and I had my 1st pint at the Queens. Always the best food at the restaurant and whenever I stayed over. Such a warm presence. Fondly remembering all the great times.
I'm so very sorry that Miss Elizabeth passed. Her smile would light up a room. Even after my time at the Pub was over,she always had a smile and a wave for me when we saw each other. I still have the candles she bought me for my birthday. Exactly like hers she said. I was very honored that she thought of me. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel. But please know that many caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. May the memories of your mother help you find peace and comfort.
To the Gilligan Family please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences at this most challenging time. May the memories of your mother, grandmother help you find peace and comfort
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
To the Gilligan Family I am deeply saddened to learn of Liz’s passing. We have known one another for many years. I always enjoyed our conversations when we randomly met one another in town. She had a beautiful smile & a kindness that was so evident. Most of all the love of her family was so obvious. Liz will be truly missed & never forgotten! ❤️
So sad to learn of Liz’s passing, I’ll cherish the many chats with Liz while my little dog and I walked with her around Lakeport. Our talks always centred around both our Families. We will miss You Liz 💕
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Sending our deepest Sympathy to Tim, Marina and Timothy and all their Families, and to her brothers, sisters, brothers and sisters-in- law and their families, on the sad passing of Elizabeth. May she rest in peace. From Fortune family Pallas
Sorry to here about Liz we will remember her smile and the sparkle in her eyes
Our Condolences to All the Gilligan and Askins family. May Liz rest in peace.
Ah Liz! What a beautiful lady inside and outside. I love the photo you chose. "It is so Liz." I will miss her Irish ways and her smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sending my sincere condolences to Tim, Marina and Timothy and all the family on the loss of a very special person. Elizabeth lived life to the full and now she is in a very special place. May she Rest in Peace.
Our most sincere condolences to the Gilligan family. Her deep love for her family and everyone around her was always so apparent. Much love, Adam and Lydia Grenon
Condolences to Uncle Tim, Timothy, Marina and all extended family on the sad passing of Auntie Liz,, a beautiful lady, fond memories of her visits to Ireland over the years, May she rest in peace
My sincere condolence and prayers of inner strength and peace to the Gilligan and Askin family and friends of Elizabeth. All our kind thoughts and fond memories. Dean and family including Martin, Sarah & Annette.
So sorty for your loss Liz’s smile and love of life and her community will forever be present in all the peoples lives she touched ! 🌷❤️ Thinking of all her family !
My sincerest condolences to the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
My sincere condolences, so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss Marina and Tim. Your mum was a wonderful beautiful lady. My thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time. Sending prayers.
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Gilligan family 🙏❤️ Liz was always a pleasure to see & I loved her Irish Sass 🍀 Our condolences to all
Our deepest condolences to the Gillian Family . Liz was such a beautiful lady and will be missed by many friends and family . She was loved by everyone in the community. May you cherish your wonderful memories of her . John , Terry and Megan Shepherd
Our sincerest condolences to the Gillian family on losing Liz. She was such a wonderful lady and we have so many fond memories of times spent with her. Thinking of you all. ❤️
My sincerest condolences to your family. It is with heavy heart I can not attend Liz’s service but my prayers and thoughts are with you all🙏 💙
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family Liz. God Bless and peace to you all. Ann
Such a lovely, kind and welcoming women. Made me and my husband and son feel so welcome when we moved her 8 yrs ago.I am sure she will be missed by many.
Truly sorry for the loss of such a woman! Tim senior, Marina and Tim jr. along with all family members, please accept my deepest sympathy ❤️🩹 She was a Good Woman and is remembered fondly.
My sincere condolences 💐 Tim, Marina and Tim jr. on the passing of Liz. Many fond memories of living next door to you on Thornlea and the conversations with Liz. Such a sweet, kind lady who will be missed. rip Liz
My sincere condolences to the family. Liz was so lovely. Her hard work showed in everything she did. She was welcoming, entertaining and when she spoke to you, she made you feel like you were the only person in the world. If you drove through town in the early hours, you likely saw her walking. A special lady for sure. Rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
My sincere condolences to Tim, Marina and Timothy and all of the family. I have fond memories of Liz. Her smile comes to mind instantly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Liz.
Tim, Mariena and Timothy. Judy and I are so heart broken to here about the passing of Liz. We had some great socials, on the front deck, under the shade tree or just quick visit. Liz was a great neighbour and will be missed. Our sincere condolences to the Gilligan Family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Tim, Mariena and Timothy we are so sorry and heartbroken for you all. Liz was one of a kind. Beautiful inside and out. She will live on in all of you. Sending love and hugs to you all. Liz will truly be miss by so so many.. Rip Liz
Our sincere condolences to all the family at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
We are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Tim and the Gilligan Family offering my sincere condolences to you. May the memories of this wonderful lady live on
We are sending you our deepest condolences on the loss of Liz. What a lovely gentle lady she was!! Sending you all strength in the days to come. Eric and Tracey Sheldrick
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
On behalf of St. Mary's CWL Council, I extend its condolences to Tim, Marina, Timothy and families. Liz was a 50 year member of the CWL and was always so supportive of the Council and its projects. Her Irish smile, her Irish brogue and outgoing nature were enjoyed by all. She will be greatly missed. "Eternal rest grant unto Liz O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace!" Pat Murphy, President, St. Mary's CWL Council
Tim, Marina, Timothy and family - I am truly sorry to hear that Liz passed away. She was a wonderful person, mother and Granny! My condolences to all of you and hugs also! I know that she will be surely missed! Thoughts and prayers! ❤️
Sending my love and comfort during this difficult time , Liz was a beautiful person , she will be truly missed
My deepest condolences to the Gilligan family during this time of loss. LIZ was a wonderful lady with a very kind and giving heart. May she rest in peace Much love, Teresa Loader
Sending our Deepest Sympathy to you, Uncle Tim, Marina and Timothy on the sad passing of your beloved wife & mother. Our condolences to extended family, grandchildren and friends. May the wonderful memories you have bring you comfort in the difficult days/years ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Aunt Liz, may you be reunited with all your dearly departed loved ones, May you Rest in Eternal Peace.🙏
Tim and Tim Jr and the entire Gilligan family, we are so sorry for your loss and are sending our condolences to you all during this hard time she was a wonderful woman and will be deeply missed ♥️
Deepest sympathy to Uncle Tim, Marina and Timothy on the passing of Aunt Liz. May she rest in eternal peace. A candle will be lit in her memory and a prayer will be offered for you all. x
Tim,Marina,Timothy and the entire Gilligan family Sending our heartfelt condolences on the passing of "Liz". A wonderful lady.She will be missed by all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Hearing this news makes me feel sad for the loss of a special woman. Thinking of the entire Gilligan family at this difficult time.
Tim and family was truly an honour to know your Elizabeth, will fondly remember her charm as a unique part of The Queens. Thank you .
My deepest sympathy to her family and friends
We are saddened to hear of liz's passing .we send our deepest condolences to you .. Liz was such a beautiful soul and will be forever missed in our community to all who knew her . Remember the good so it will carry u thru the bad .. love from the millar family Camilla and Mike corkery
Dear Uncle Tim, Marina, Timothy and extended families. We were deeply saddened to hear of Auntie Liz’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this sad and difficult time. She was a lovely lady and will be remembered with great fondness. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. With love and deepest sympathy.
Tim, Marina, Timothy & family. Our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Dear Uncle Tim and family, I was very sorry to hear about Aunt Liz’s passing. I have fond memories of her and wanted to send my love and sincere condolences to you all. Thinking of you and the family during this difficult time. Casey Brennan
Truly a sad, sad time indeed! I will cherish, with fond memories, the times we spent together, and the stories told. Our sincerest condolences to you Tim and your entire family.
Our sincere condolences to Tim and family. Our thoughts are with you.
Tim, Marina, Timothy & family. Liz leaves my soul full of love and warmth. Liz (Granny) always treated us like family. Love to you all. The Hannigan’s May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
To the families, friends, and the community of Colborne in the loss of such a wonderful woman. May the love Liz shared help to carry you through the coming days. What a beautiful legacy she has left. Sincere condolences
Dear Tim, Marina, Tim Jr. and families . Our sincere condolences on the passing of a wonderful lady . She will be gratefully missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her . Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. RIP Liz 🙏
My deepest sympathy to the Gilligan family. Liz was a wonderful lady, always happy and smiling. She will be missed.
Tim, Tim jr, Marina and families. Tracy and I would like to give you our sincerest condolences. Liz was always there to greet us with a warm smile and a heartfelt hello. Cherish your memories.
Tim Tim jr & Marina Marj and I are so sorry to hear of Liz sudden passing.Thoughts are with you all at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Our deepest condolences to Tim, family and friends. Liz was a joy to be around and loved life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Liz is a great example of how Love can enter the world. Praying that we can accept Gods decision to take Liz Home.
So sorry for your loss. She was a fantastic woman and a joy to know. She will be missed
Our sincere condolences to the Gilligan family. Many fond memories of hockey travels and lunches at the Queen's. Sending love, strength and prayers.
Our deepest sympathies to Tim and family. Liz was a wonderful lady and she will be missed by everyone who knew her Sorry for your loss.
May Liz rest in peace. Condolences to Tim and the entire Gilligan family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy to Uncle Tim, Marina and Timothy on the loss of your beloved wife and mother. Condolences to extended family, grandchildren and friends. God grant you all strength at this time of painful parting and may the prayers of loved ones both near and far offer support and comfort. May Aunt Liz rest in the eternal peace of Heaven and share the company of loved ones gone before her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you X
Dear Uncle Tim, Marina, Timothy,, extended family & friends , We are so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Aunty Liz. . Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this heartbreaking time. May you find comfort in each other, in the wonderful memories of Aunty Liz, and in knowing how loved she was by so many. Sending all our love and deepest sympathies to you all. Frances Gilligan & family (Co Laois, Ireland)
We have lost another beautiful soul. My condolences to family and friends. I am privileged to have known her.
Tim and Patty, Both Deb and I send our heartfelt condolences to your entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dave and Deb
Dearest Uncle Tim & cousins. I'm so so sorry to hear of passing of A.Liz. May She Rest In Eternal Peace in the loving arms of Jesus. God Bless you all today & in the coming weeks. Carmel Gilligan-Fernandes ( your niece - Martins daughter , co Laois , Ireland)
My love and condolences to the Gilligan’s. Liz was always cheerful and ready for a chat. She will be dearly missed. Remember now she is now safe and free from pain and is now at rest with our Lord. Rest in peace Liz.👳♀️🙏🏻❤️
Dear Tim, Marina, Timothy, Don and Patty! We are deeply saddened to hear Liz has passed away!! She was a truly extraordinary woman. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!!! May God hold you in the palm of his hands!!
On behalf of the Hoselton family and Hoselton Studio, our deepest sympathies to the Gilligan family. Liz’s kindness to our family will always be remembered. My father and I always enjoyed our chats with Liz and her delicious meals for many years during Colborne Rotary meetings at the Queen’s hotel.
Sorry Tim & Family for the Loss of Liz.
Wib and I offer our deepest condolences to Tim and family
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Gilligan family at the loss of such a wonderful, kind woman. We will miss her smiling face walking by our home every morning with always a wave and a kind word. She will leave everyone in this town with a broken heart as she was loved by all, and our lives will all be a little less brighter without her.
My condolences Tim, Marina , Tim and families. Liz was a amazing lady, who always had a smile . She will be dearly missed. Hold her memories close.
My since condolences to the Gillian family on the loss of dear Elizabeth. I remember being a guest of Marina’s when we were kids and staying at the Gillian home with Elizabeth, Tim and Timothy..what a beautiful family..they extended such warm hospitality..may your mom rest in peace ❤️
Sending our deepest condolences to the Gilligan family. Liz embraced life and sent her love to anyone who needed it. She was a giving and lovely soul to friends and her entire community. Rest In Peace Liz, your memory lives deep within me.
Deepest sympathy Tim and family. Liz had a beautiful soul. She was always so cheerful. It was a pleasure to have known her.
We are just so very sorry. Even after all these years, we have always felt our friendship and this news brings such sadness. Thinking of you and sending you love Sandy & Debbie Kernaghan
Tim sorry for your loss to you and your family thinking of you all. Janet and Eric.
so sorry for your loss of a such kind lady may she rest in peace
I am so sorry for your loss. Liz was always so happy and outgoing and was so proud of her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad difficult time. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Tim, Marina, Timothy, family and friends, sending our deepest condolences during this difficult time. May all your beautiful memories of Liz help to ease your pain. Sincerely, Brenda & John
We remember Elizabeth with fondness R.I.P. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim, Marina, Timothy and all the family during this very difficult time. With deepest sympathy Moira, Mike and family (Toronto)
My most heartfelt condolences to the entire Gilligan family. As one of our most wonderful neighbourhood/church/hockey moms, Liz has always had a special place in my heart. May she rest in peace on the other side. 🙏🏻
So sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful lady. I know this lovely soul is resting peacefully and joyfully with those who have gone before and that her loved ones still here will reminisce for many years with memories left behind
Sincere sympathy to Uncle Tim,Marina and Timothy on the death of Auntie liz. May she rest in peace. You are all in our prayers at this sad time
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of a wonderful mother and grandmother. Much love, hugs and prayers sent during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences on your loss of Liz. Such a lovely lady, so full of life. She will be truly missed. Rip dear lady
So, so sorry to see you have had to say goodbye to your beloved mother and grandma. May her spirit fill, comfort and live forever in your hearts. Hugs
Tim, Marina,Don, Shannon, Sinead, Roisin and Eilis. So very sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I’m sorry we won’t be able to make the service. Love to all❤️. Theresa & Gerry
Tim I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife "Liz" looks like she lead a beautiful life, with family and love...RIP