Obituary of Mabel Eileen Gillis

GILLIS, Mabel Eileen (Conway) It is with saddened hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Mabel Eileen Gillis on April 16, 2016 at the age 91 in the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish, N.S. surrounded by family. Eileen moved to Antigonish over 30 years ago with her late husband of 49 years, Joseph Gillis. Prior to that, they lived in Halifax and Middle River, N.S. Born in Canso, N.S. she was the daughter of the late Edmund and Bridget (Horne) Conway. Eileen was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family very much. Her face lit up whenever her grand children and great-grand children were around. Eileen was a very generous and gracious lady who was always helping others, especially those in need. She loved to sew, creating many beautiful quilts, which we cherish. She also loved to host family gatherings, for any occasion, and provide beautiful meals and sweets to all those who came to her home. She was the pillar of a large family, and the loving light that always brought everyone together. She will be remembered by her grandchildren as the perfect sleepover host, teaching them the power of prayer and passing down beloved family recipes. She will be remembered by her children and sister as a woman of incredible strength with unwavering devotion and more kindness than could be expressed in one lifetime. Eileen was a lady of strong faith which helped her through many losses over the years. Eileen was a devoted member of the C.W.L. and the Children of Mary. Eileen is survived by her son, Brian (Theresa), Lochaber; daughters Heather Bowser (Bruce), Dartmouth, Rose Teasdale (Raymond), Antigonish, 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; her loving sister, Mary (Conway) McCarthy, Halifax, her special cousin, Fr. Donald Boudreau, Trenton. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph A. Gillis, her son John Archie, in infancy, her son Myles Daniel, her daughter Christina Marie; her sisters, Marie McIsaac, Elva Fogarty, her brothers Ellsworth, in infancy, Clyde and Jamie. Her memory strongly lives on in those she left behind, and her family’s heartache is lessened knowing there was a wonderful reunion held inside heaven’s gates with the ones Eileen loves and had deeply missed. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday, April 20 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St, Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11AM Thursday in St. Ninian’s Cathedral, Antigonish. Burial in the parish cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the R.K. nursing home that made Eileen feel so at home during her time there. Family flowers only please. If desired, donations can be made to the charity of your choice, to carry on her tradition of helping others.