Mary Elizabeth Gillis

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth Gillis, 90, of Grand Mira. Mary was the daughter of the late Catherine(Gillis) and Archie MacPhee. Fortunately, Mom was able to stay in her own home with only a brief stay at Harbourstone. Born in French Road, Mary was a long time active member of St. Margaret of Scotland Ladies Auxiliary, former employee of Sydney City Hospital, then retiring from the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Widowed at only 52, Mom was always busy, sewing, quilting, feeding people or connecting with all her children,in person or by phone. She kept us all in touch. Mom loved her many visitors, having people around gave her energy and definitely gave her joy. The St. Margaret's community was always important to her. Mary was one of the friendliest people who touched many lives through care, kindness and generosity.

Mary is survived by her children Catherine (Keith)MacIssac,Edmonton; Estelle (Jake)Bryant,Halifax; Donnie (Andrea)Gillis,Grand Mira; Archie (Lorna)Gillis,Grand Mira; Josephine (John)Steele,Sydney; Geselle (Dave)Vanier,Truro; Norman (Robin)Gillis, Sandfield; John M. (Kathy MacKinnon)Gillis,Grand Mira; Gerald (Marta)Gillis,Calgary. Grandchildren, Mary (Garrett)Cook, Heather (Vic Theriault), John (Erin)Bryant; James(Meghann Kerr)Bryant; Andrew Bryant, Ann Bryant; Martin (Florie-Beth Nemeth)Gillis, Caroline Gillis, Kaitlyn Gillis; Allan (Katie) Gillis, Micheal(Holley)Gillis, Joseph (Alana)Gillis; Caleb (Amber)Doncaster, Kyle (Kayla)Doncaster; Sara Steele, Samantha Steele, Adrian Steele; Stephen (Amy O'Driscoll)Vanier, Rachelle Vanier; Erika Gillis, Rebecca Gillis; Leeanna Gillis, Riley Gillis. Great-grandchildren Evan, Roman, Dustin, Kai, Kenna, Hayley, Portia, Ivy, Dante, Lilianna, Freya.

Mary is also survived by her sisters Sadie (Dennis)Kerr, Dartmouth; Theresa (Murray)MacKinnon, Halifax; brothers Danny (Liz)MacPhee, Sydney; Fr.Norman MacPhee, Glace Bay; Stephen (Judy)MacPhee, Ottawa; and Allan (Mary)MacPhee, Dartmouth and sister-in law Anna MacPhee, Sydney; Charlotte Gillis and brother-in-law Phonse Gillis, Mount Denison.

Mary was predeceased by her husband James Bernard Gillis, siblings: Malcolm (Mary), Ann (Bernard),Archie, John (Carole), Bonnie, Vincent and sister Sadie Theresa. Her in-laws, Danny (Maryann)Gillis; John Alex Gillis; Mary Gillis, Annie (Bill)Petrie, Mass.US; Claire (Harry)Murphy, East Bay; Florence (Armand)Presseau, Allan Gillis; Lawrence Gillis; and Sister Josephine Gillis CND.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions the celebrations of Mary's life will be private. Please direct any donations to the St.Margaret's Cementary Fund or a charity of your choice. Thank you for the many well wishes and prayers.