Brigitte Bailis

Brigitte Bailis, 63 of Thornhill, Ontario passed away January 6th at her home. Loving mother of Deborah Bailis, Stephanie Bailis and Laura Bailis. Sister to Nicole Galea and Nathalie Galea. Daughter of Emile and Fortuna Galea. 

Brigitte bravely fought ALS for over 8 years. Through the years, she demonstrated her strength and courage. Even through the difficult times, she always found a reason to smile. She loved her kids and family and her grand-pup Wally. She appreciated every visit, phone call and message. She was grateful for every act of kindness.  Her kind spirit touched so many lives and will be remembered forever.

Brigitte encouraged those around her to never take anything for granted in life because just like with her ALS, it could be taken away... in her case with one diagnosis. Our ability to walk is a gift in and of itself, something many of us take for granted. ALS gradually stripped her of this gift, but instead of admitting defeat, she chose to look for gifts elsewhere in her life. And she found plenty.

Brigitte did not want fear to control her life. Instead, she chose to appreciate every little moment of happiness, like the warm hugs and hand holds she received from the ones she loved. In her eyes there was always a reason to be thankful. No matter how bad the circumstances, she could always find a reason to give thanks. She would appreciate things as simple and as seemingly mundane as having dishes to wash, which meant she had food on her plate. Or else she would appreciate having laundry to do, which gave her reason to give thanks for the clothes on her back. For her, appreciation was found both in the big and small.

Joy was her essence and she saw it as her purpose to share that with others. Although she is no longer with us, her spirit will always remind of the important things in life. To be present and be grateful for every day of life. To dream big and never give up!