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.
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.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
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