Obituary of Mary Andrea Gillis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Andrea Gillis on April 22, 2023 in the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish, with family by her side.

Mary was born on June 16, 1949 to the late A.J. and Rita (Chisholm) Gillis. She grew up on the family farm in Pinevale and later lived in the JJ Carroll House in Antigonish.

Mary was the extrovert of the family, always taking time to talk to whomever - no one stayed a stranger. Never to be out without lipstick in tow, jewellery on and, of course, "a little spray of perfume". She had a special bond with her nieces and nephews and kept in touch with relatives and friends near and far.

A birthday or special occasion did not go by without a phone call from Mary (sometimes two). She prided herself on being the first with the greeting and, sometimes, snuck it in the night before. More impressive, she made these calls without the aid of a date book or calendar.

Mary enjoyed watching Monday night wrestling, winning at bingo, opening early Christmas presents, collecting knickknacks and listening to music, especially country, on her vast collection of CD's and cassette tapes.

Mary is survived by brothers John (Pat); David (Marlene); Collie; Ronnie (Trish); Eddie (Joanne); all of Antigonish; sisters Cathy, Antigonish; Lorraine (Richard) MacGillivray, Riverview, NB; and Teresa (Mark) MacInnis, Waverley, NS.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son Jason, who is survived by his parents Roger and Eva Leon, Sydney.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-9:00 pm Friday, April 28, 2023 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Saturday in St. Patrick's Church, Lochaber, Reverend Tom Stephan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RK MacDonald Nursing Home or a charity of choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of the R.K., especially Tanglewood, and special thanks to Dr. Michelle Murphy for her years of care and patience to Mary.