Priscilla A. Gillis

Priscilla Arnold Gillis, aged 86, passed away peacefully at her beloved Brewster seaside home surrounded by her loving family on March 15, 2026. Born to the late Dr. Jesse and Dorothy Arnold on March 11, 1940, she grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Priscilla graduated from George School in Newtown PA in 1957 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hood College in 1961. After graduation she moved to Baltimore to work in research for the Johns Hopkins Medical Center. She then took an opportunity to move back north to become a laboratory technician in the John Enders Infectious Disease Research Laboratory at Boston Children's Hospital, working with Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Albert Sabin on their groundbreaking polio vaccines and virology research.

She married her sweetheart Walter C. Gillis in 1965 and they settled in Alexandria, Virginia where she began her 19 year career teaching science before later relocating to Brewster on Cape Cod. Their shared love of the Cape and family became the foundation of a 61 year marriage defined by enduring love, deep laughter and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Priscilla is survived by her husband Walter, her two daughters Amy Parker (Christopher Parker) of Hopedale MA and Elizabeth Williams (Christian Williams) of Exeter NH, her grandchildren: Sam, Molly, Jack, William, Camden and Owen, her sister Susan Winship of Durham NH (late Robert Winship), many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.

A champion of her girls and her grandchildren, Priscilla was always eager to support and celebrate their achievements. She avidly attended and followed numerous sporting events and school activities over the years, typically punctuating the sporting events with her resounding cheer, “ G0…. (Insert School /Team Color)!” from the sidelines. Priscilla was an avid reader and was always engaged in learning whether it be about current events, science news or reading up on the recent grandchildrens’ endeavors. She was extremely creative, often sewing or working on furniture repair, refinishing or reupholstering pieces in the home like a pro. Never one to waste things she often would visit the Brewster swap shop to find the next best treasure.

Besides her family, Priscilla loved Cape Cod Bay and her beach most of all. She loved sailing with her husband, walking the Flats, collecting sea glass, swimming in the morning and afternoon tides, sitting on her beach with her book in hand and feet in the sand, and watching the spectacular sunsets.

Priscilla was the foundation of our family, the steady presence that made everyone feel safe, supported and deeply loved. Her warmth, wisdom, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Priscilla can be made to Beacon Hospice Care, an Amedisys Company, which provided her and her family exceptional care and compassion in her final days.