With broken hearts, we share the sudden and tragic passing of Gillian Marie Gratton on April 11, 2025, at the age of 39. Her light, her laughter, and her love for animals left lasting pawprints on countless hearts.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, on November 26, 1985, Gillian was the beloved daughter of Ron and Simone Gratton, and a cherished younger sister to Curtis Gratton. She attended Calgary Catholic Schools and graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 2003. Her academic journey took her from Mount Royal University to the University of Calgary, and eventually to the University of Saskatchewan in 2007, where she brought along her loyal Portuguese Water Dog, Gambit.
Gillian earned her BSc in 2009 and her Master’s in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences in 2012. For over a decade, she served as a Lab Technician in Animal Studies at the university, where her dedication and compassion shaped the learning of many graduate students.
In 2011, Gillian met Kevin Freistadt, her soulmate and best friend. They married in April 2015 and built a peaceful, joy-filled life together on their 80-acre rural property, which became a sanctuary for Gillian. There, she poured her heart into her perennial gardens, koi pond, and her daily walks with her beloved dogs.
Gillian was a beloved member of the Saskatoon dog community, where she became known for her passionate involvement in CKC Conformation shows and her dedication to breeding Armada Portuguese Water Dogs. She was the proud owner-handler of Gambit, Rogue, and Marrow, and an advocate for dog rescue, especially through her work with New Hope Dog Rescue.
In 2021, Gillian fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Pet Planet Primrose in Saskatoon, a warm, welcoming store where both people and pets felt at home. It quickly became a hub for dog lovers across the city, a place where Gillian’s smile, gentle advice, and the occasional treat brought joy to many.
Gillian also rekindled her love for horses with Chevy, her Hunter Jumper companion, adding to her vibrant life with animals and nature.
She is survived by her husband Kevin Freistadt, her parents Ron and Simone Gratton, her brother Curtis (Kristin) Gratton and their children Sophia, William, and Jack, her grandfather Edward Gratton, father-in-law Clayton Freistadt, brother-in-law Bob Freistadt and his son Dirk, and cherished Saskatoon family Wendi Stoeber and Edmond Lemire. She is also mourned by many uncles, aunts, cousins, dear friends, and fellow animal lovers.
Celebration of Life
A service to honor Gillian’s memory will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Saskatoon Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend and share in remembering a truly extraordinary woman.
In Loving Memory
From New Hope Dog Rescue to Turn Based Tactics Flyball, the outpouring of tributes to Gillian speaks volumes of her impact. She was more than a dog lover — she was a friend, mentor, advocate, and source of warmth to everyone she met.
As shared by Nicole Ratzlaff, “Please take a moment today to hug a loved one and if you can, tell a dog what a good pupper they are — it would make Gill smile.”
We find comfort in imagining Gillian now reunited with her heart dogs Gambit and Cardi, across the rainbow bridge, her arms full and her heart full of love.
Her legacy lives on in every rescued dog, every garden bloom, and every warm smile shared in her memory.