Born on February 20, 1935, she was one of the twin daughters of the late John and Euphemia (Malcolm) MacEachern of Centennial Road in Judique, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She grew up on the family farm along with 6 brothers and 5 sisters.
Following the lead of some of her siblings, she left home in her youth to work in Massachusetts, USA. Married to James Gillis, she was the mother of four children. She was employed for many years as a much-loved nanny. In her seventies, she moved back permanently to Cape Breton where she spent her final years enjoying the company of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to whom she was a cherished Grandma/Nanny.
Throughout her life she valued spending time with her extended family and friends in Judique. One of her favourite outings was enjoying a seafood chowder while listening to stirring fiddle music at the Celtic Music Interpretative Centre in Judique. When possible, she was the first one on the dance floor.
She leaves behind her children Marlene (Bryan Boothe), Danny, Donna, and Mark (Stacey), grandchildren Andrea (Ernie), Amanda, Michael (Kathryn), Rory, Leah (Iain), Katelyn, Andrew, Hilary, Cameron, and Riley, and great grandchildren Aryn, Margaret, Hailey, Kaelen and Doreen. She also leaves her twin sister Barbara Banks, her brothers Stanley (Barbara), Donald (Margie), John (Janice) and David (Kitty), and sisters Catherine Surette (late David) and Christine Walker (David Madsen). She is also remembered by many nieces and nephews who fondly recall their fun-loving Aunt Bernadette.
She was predeceased by her brothers Bobby (Anna Mae) and Billy (Alice), and sisters Monica Fallon (Tom) and Florence Lahey. Four siblings died in infancy: Gordon, Monica, Muriel and Catherine M.
A Celebration of Life will take place on July 30, 2022 at 10 am at the Judique Church Cemetery, with a reception at the Judique Firehall from noon to 4 pm.
If desired, donations in Bernadette’s honour may be made to the Palliative Care Program of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
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