Margaret Lucille Gillis

It is with heavy hearts the family and friends of Margaret Lucille Gillis announce her passing at East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash on April, 23rd, 2018 with her loving family by her side. Born November 8, 1953, Lucille was the daughter of the late John Hugh and Flossie Mae Gillis (nee Gillis) of Sydney, NS. Lucille was a true Ashby girl, growing up on Sutherland Street, attending Constantine School, Park Junior High and Holy Angels High School until 1972 when she followed in her mother’s footsteps and attended Nova Scotia Teacher’s College, Truro. Following graduation in 1975, Lucille made her home in Amherst, NS. Her first teaching assignment was primary at Warren Elementary School where she remained for 15 fulfilling years. The next 18 years were spent at West Highlands Elementary School until her retirement in 2008. Lucille was a well-respected and loved member of her community contributing to various volunteer organizations in Amherst. She served as a union representative for Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union for many years, having received a service award for her commitment and dedication. As a devoted parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Lucille was a Eucharistic Minister and served on a number of committees. In addition, she was a tireless supporter of St. Vincent de Paul. Lucille’s contagious laugh and sense of humor were well-known. Her ability to entertain a room full of people was a signature trait with friends requesting that she re-tell a story, each time evoking many belly laughs. Lucille had many memorable trips with her long-time companion, Vince Byrne. She became a “Biker-Chick” relaxing on the back of his “Harley” while travelling throughout Canada, the US as well as various trips to Newfoundland to visit Vince’s family. In addition, she enjoyed her trips with Vince to Ireland, Hawaii and the Dominican Republic. Lucille had a strong sense of family. She was very dedicated to her parents, never missing an occasion to return home to Cape Breton to be with them. She loved her nieces and nephews unconditionally, offering her support in many ways. She was always concerned for their welfare and did whatever she could to make life easier for them and their parents. As a thoughtful, loyal friend, Lucille acknowledged special occasions, deaths and weddings with chicken dinners, muffins, cards and visits keeping in contact with childhood friends both near and far. Lucille’s life journey encompassed everything good. Expressing acts of compassion, empathy and assisting others was paramount in her daily life. Lucille was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Fabian, (1957) and John D. (1984). She is survived by her sister, Alanna (Kevin) Baker, Centreville , companion, Vince Byrne , Amherst , niece Kim (Jim) Nashin Lac La Biche, AB nephews, Bobby, Bedford, Ian ( April), Vegreville, AB, Ben, (Siobhan) Sackville, NB, sister-in-law, Cheryl Gillis, Dartmouth, and special cousins Margie & Jim MacNeil, Coxheath, Cape Breton. To honor her lifelong belief of helping others, Lucille’s brain has been donated to research to further the study of Benson’s Syndrome, the rare brain disease which took her from us far too soon. Lucille’s body has been cremated. Visitation will be at Campbell’s Funeral Home, 98 Church St. Amherst, (902) 667-9906 on Sunday, April 29th from 2:00 – 7:00 pm with parish prayers at 4:30 pm. Funeral service on Monday, April 30th at 2:00 pm from Holy Family Parish with Father Craig Christenson officiating. Her remains will be transported to Cape Breton, at a later date, where she will be buried with her parents at Resurrection Cemetery in Howie Centre. Following her burial a reception in her honor will be held. Friends and relatives are welcome. Family flowers only. Donations in Lucille’s memory may be made to the East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash, or the Maritime Brain Tissue Bank. A special thank you to staff at ECL for their kindness and compassion during her stay. The staff treated Lucille with great respect spending time with her and working hard to put a smile on her face. Their dedication and love was felt so strongly by her family during her last few days. Many thanks to Lucille’s Amherst family. The love and support she received from these loyal friends while living in Amherst and throughout her illness gave her great comfort. She knew she was loved. Your frequent visits to the Lodge over the years are a testament to the wonderful folks you are. Thank you Karen, Lynne and Margaret for opening your homes to Kevin and I. Having a warm, welcoming place to stay helped with these difficult visits. Online condolences & sharing of memories can be forwarded to the family via; www.campbellsamherst.ca or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.