It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Denise (Gillis) Sparrow on February 4th, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born on September 3, 1970, Denise was the daughter of Peggy and the late Neil Gillis, and step daughter to Roddie Gillis.
Denise is survived by her mother Peggy Gillis and her step-father Roddie Gillis; and by her siblings; Juanita Musgrave, Jason (Kathleen) Gillis, and Heather (Kevin) Halloran; Cathy (Adam) Kennedy, and Glen (Kelly) Gillis; and by her step children Nicole and Justin Sparrow. She is also survived by brothers and sisters in law; Glen Musgrave, Joey (Donna), Colin (Bonnie), Starla (Cecil) MacQueen, Joanne (Fabian) Lahey.
Denise was predeceased by her husband Gerry Sparrow of Glace Bay; by her father Neil Gillis of Grand Mira South; by her parents in law; Loretta and Joseph Sparrow, and sister-in-law Doreen, brothers in law, Cecil and Maney, all of Glace Bay; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who were very dear to her.
Denise will be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews, who she loved as if they were her own.
Denise had a great love for her family and friends. She had a gentle spirit, and was a kind, soft spoken individual who did not seek the lime light and was content to support those she most loved. Denise was an artist and created many portraits for family and friends in her lifetime. She loved the simple pleasures of life. She was a home body who loved to be cozy and enjoyed a good true crime drama. She was an excellent baker who never disclosed her secret to making the best muffins you could find! Denise was a “fur mom” to her beloved Dash, who was her joy and support in the years following Gerry’s passing. Dash passed in November 2025.
Denise understood the importance of family and kept them close to her heart. We will forever love and cherish her time with us. As she said in her final days, “we will be together forever in our hearts!”
A big thank you to the, staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital; specifically, the IMCU, ICU, and palliative care units who took wonderful care of Denise and her family. Your professionalism, empathy, and kindness helped us all and will not be forgotten.
We would also like to thank Denise’s work family at Access Nova Scotia. Thank you for your support and understanding as Denise continued to work through her illness.
Visitation of Denise (Gillis) Sparrow will be held at the TW Curry funeral home from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Thursday, February 12th, with a funeral mass to be held at Holy Redeemer Parish at 11am, Friday, February 13th. To view the service, or to leave a memory or condolence for the family, please visit twcurry.com.
Donations in memory of Denise may be made to Palliative Care, Canadian Diabetes Association, or the charity of one’s choice.
