Anne Marie (Gillis) MacDonald of Mabou, born February 14, 1949, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 12, 2024.
In the year Anne was born, her family moved from Egypt down to the farm in Gillisdale. Here she grew up, the fifth child of eighteen, to parents Mary (MacLellan) and Alexander (Donald Finley) Gillis.
Anne was a true example of selflessness and grace. She loved her parents greatly and had a profound respect for them. She learned the importance of family through the close-knit environment she grew up in; family is the richness and wealth in life, sharing and growing together. She learned life fundamentals early from her father; trapping, logging, Christmas tree harvesting, fishing and salting gaspereau and farming. She learned about harnessing Colty and Harlow, household care, as well as strength, compassion and forgiveness from her mother, a remarkable person. She learned of love and happiness in her mother’s kitchen; children dancing to fiddle tunes and her parents waltzing. Anne had a fierce love for life and a great understanding of what was important.
Anne moved to Boston for work after high school. Here she built on her caring nature and was successful in the nursing and physiotherapy field. She was a leader in the areas of respect and diversity. Anne met and married Hugh MacDonald while in Boston, and moved to Mabou to raise their family after the birth of their first child.
Anne continued to work throughout the years while raising her family, including Inverness Manor, J.R. MacMillan’s Store and elderly care. Anne’s focus was on supporting her family and children; a hockey and figure skating mom, instilling the importance of math and education, highlighting the importance of effort and kindness. Anne weaved this within the many visits to family.
Anne was the finest; a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. With fond and cherished memories, she will be forever loved by her husband, Hugh MacDonald; children, Keith (Nadine Wambolt) MacDonald, Dennis (Georgia Skardasi) MacDonald, Sylvia MacDonald, and Bonny Jean (Dale Cameron) MacDonald; grandchildren, Eva MacQuarrie, Morgan MacQuarrie, John Finley Cameron, Hughie Cameron, Angelos MacDonald, Odysseas MacDonald; godchildren, Elliot MacDonald and Shannon Thomas, brothers Stewart (Mary) Gillis, Earl Gillis, John Gillis, Stephen (Mary) Gillis, and Archie (Ruth) Gillis; sisters, Josephine Gillis, Mary (Steve) Gillis, Minnie Gillis, Rhoda (Stan) Mills, Cassie (Suey) MacDougall, Susan Gillis, Hughena Parlee, Theresa Wilcox; and sister-in-law’s, Anne Marie Thomas, Margaret Gillis, Annabelle Gillis, Kay Gillis; along with a large circle of extended family and friends.
Anne was predeceased by her father, Alexander Gillis; mother, Mary (MacLellan) Gillis; sister, Olive Gillis, brothers, Alexander Gillis, Donald Gillis, Angus Gillis; nephews, Terry Swaysland and Ben Gillis; and brother-in-law, Dennis MacDonald.
Anne lived the rule to treat others how you want to be treated yourself. Her first language was Gaelic, she loved stories, her family history, sports, competition and reading. She loved a good card game; rarely losing, and enjoyed teaching her favorite games to family and friends. She entertained many friends and family with her stories and readings, and she could always see the good in our future. Anne was a proud wife and mother. Her marriage of 52 years was one of love, mutual respect and support. She took great pride and joy in her grandchildren, their laughter and presence made her happy.
Anne walked within the generations of her family and she connected us all. She had a strong faith, a gentle spirit and will be lovingly remembered.
Special thanks to Bernice MacNeil, Dr. Ritter and Lori Ann, Dr. Kathryn Binnersley and Continuing Care Nurses, Sarah MacDougall, and the Home Care providers.
Visitation will be held on Friday January 26th, 2024 in St. Mary's Church, Mabou from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday January 27th, 2024 in St. Mary's Church, Mabou at 11:00 am.
Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
If desired donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society, P.O. Box 610, Inverness, Nova Scotia, B0E1N0.
Online condolences may be made to: invernessfuneralhome.com
