Theresa Catherine Gillis

Daughter of the late Neil P. and Elizabeth (Fraser) MacKinnon, Theresa was born and raised on the Meadows Road in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She worked for many years as a telephone operator with MT&T. However, her most cherished role was mother to not only her own children, but the neighbourhood children as well - especially the Baldwins, twins Kim and Karen, and MacNeils. There was nothing Theresa wouldn’t do for children.

She and Rannie raised their family on Dominion Street in Whitney Pier, but spent every summer in Grand Mira South. An active member of both Holy Redeemer and St. Margaret of Scotland parishes, Theresa was devoted to her faith and the Blessed Virgin. In her early years Theresa was an active member of her community, serving on parish council and school committees, obtaining her religious education diploma, and teaching religion, R.C.I.A., and volunteering at seniors homes. She was a proud associate member of the Sisters of Saint Martha’s. Like Rannie, Theresa was an avid Leafs fan. She also enjoyed music and singing, although she never quite finished the full song.

She is survived by her six children, Martina (Albert) MacKinnon, Howie Center, Liz (Joe) MacDonald, Judique, Lynn (Lee Chambers) Gillis, Windsor, Ron (Stephanie) Gillis, Big Ridge, Therese (Mark) Forrest, Coxheath, Trina (Bill) Curry, Sydney. Grandma is also survived by her ten grandchildren, whom she adored, Christopher, Kenzie, Bhreagh, Christina, Liam, Tyler, Jeff, Neil, Roanan, and Lauchlan, two bonus grandsons Matthew and Jonny Forrest and two cherished great-granddaughters, Layla Brynn and Piper Grace.

Theresa was the last living member of her immediate family, survived by sisters-in-law Cecilia MacKinnon, Sydney River, Sadie (Allan) MacNeil, Grand Mira South, and Peggy (Roddie) Gillis, Blues Mills. Theresa is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own.

Theresa was predeceased by her loving husband of 46 years Rannie, parents, brothers John, Neil, Malcom, Michael and Bernie, sisters Peggy, Mary, and Minnie, two sisters in infancy (Mary Josephine and Annie), and her twin Betty, who passed at the age of three, parents-in-law Neil D and Agnes Gillis, brothers-in-law Pat Flaherty, Jimme (Bette) Gillis, Joe Gillis, Danny (Marie) Gillis, John (Marie) Gillis and Neil Gillis, sisters-in-law Marguerite (LeClair) MacKinnon, Marguerite MacKinnon, Chris MacKinnon, and Tina (Joe) Baldwin, her beloved best friend and partner in crime, who Theresa missed immensely until the day she passed. The two usually sharing laughs and causing trouble along with their dear friend, Margaret Mombourqette.

Special thank you to Mom’s care team over the past number of weeks; especially the staff on the 8th floor of the Halifax Infirmary for being so kind. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Myatt, Janice, and staff, for the years of care and support they have provided to not only Mom, but to our family.

As greatly as Mom will be missed, we are comforted in knowing that she was welcomed with open arms by so many family members and friends in heaven, most especially, her Rannie.

Visitation for the late Mrs. Gillis will be held Friday, August 22nd from 4-8pm at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 23rd at 10am at Holy Redeemer Parish Church with Rev. Paul Murphy officiating. Internment in St. Margaret’s Cemetery, Grand Mira South.

Donations in Theresa’s memory can be made to the Grand Mira Community Society or the St. Margaret’s Cemetery Fund. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com