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Dr. Allison Elizabeth Spiller
January 17, 1964 - December 31, 2015
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<div itemprop="description">ALLISON SPILLER, MD, PHD <br />January 17, 1964-December 31, 2015 <br /> <br />Embraced by family and loved ones, Allison passed away at home at the age of 51 from breast cancer. Allison engaged this phase of her life with grace, grit, determination and equanimity. Allison is deeply missed by her partner of 19 years, Suzy Lister, Linda (mother) and Jim Payne, Grant Spiller (brother) and Lisa Baker, Joy and Clyde Lister, Andrea Lister and Paul Gibney, Joanne (aunt) and Craig West, cousins Lisa Degen and Marc Young, and nephews, Ben Spiller, Julian Baker, and Owen Gibney. Allison is predeceased by her father, Aidan Spiller, grandparents, Jean and George Austin, Isabel and Captain Walter Spiller. <br /> <br />Allison received her PhD (1996) in psychology with a focus in neuroscience, and MD (1997) from McMaster University. She went on to do her Neurology Residency at McGill University with a speciality in epilepsy. She further studied at Yale University in epilepsy surgery. Allison was a highly respected and beloved faculty member at Queens University/Kingston General Hospital (2003-2014) where she was Program Director for the Neurology Residency Program for four years. <br /> <br />As a lifelong learner, Allison was committed to developing in all areas of her life and included embracing qigong practice and mindfulness meditation. She infused her residents&rsquo; Western medical education with &lsquo;non-traditional&rsquo; approaches in an effort to bring more holistic care to future patients. This never diminished during her treatment. In the weeks before her passing, she continued her teaching with the palliative care trainees, reviewing neurology as they examined her. She was also committed to environmental and sustainable living as part of her daily life. <br /> <br />The family is grateful for the abundance of love and support received from friends and family around the world. Seeing the medical world from both sides now, the family is so appreciative of the tireless efforts of the people working in the health care system. In particular, we thank the KGH physicians and nurses for their extraordinary care. In particular, Doctors Mates, Fitzpatrick, Thain, Dudgeon, Connidis, Harle, and Shepard. Their expertise and heart are incredible. The nurses at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario and Cathy Lyndsey from CCAC were lifelines- a deep bow to all of you. <br /> <br />Allison has inspired so many people, not just for her medical accomplishments. She will be remembered for her joy of life, love of friends and family- her beloved pets included, her laughter and radiant smile. Allison&rsquo;s legacy will extend far beyond what we can imagine and we are all better for her love, thoughtfulness, and humanity. <br /> <br />An endowment fund has been established for neurology residents and allied health professionals who are trying to improve the care for people who have epilepsy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UHKF- Allison E. Spiller Epilepsy Education Endowment (give.uhkf.ca- select Donate Now), or a charity of your choice. <br /> <br />A cremation has been held. A memorial gathering will be held at the Gordon F. Tompkins Funeral Home &ndash; Township Chapel 435 Davis Drive Kingston, Ontario, Friday January 8, 2016 from 6:00-8:00pm. The family invites people to offer stories and memories at www.gftompkins-township.ca <br /> <br /></div>