Claire Elaine Gillis Wall

1948-2010

It is with the heaviest of hearts and great sadness that we announce the

passing of Claire Elaine Wall, beloved wife, mother, nana, daughter, sister,

aunt, godmother and friend. Claire passed quietly from our lives early

Friday morning at the age of 62.

Claire was the third of 13 children born to Eileen (Connolly) and the late

Patrick OPaddy¹ Gillis.

Claire was united with her beloved husband Dennis July 4, 1970. They had

just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Together they were blessed

with three loving children of whom Claire was so proud, Janet, Sydney, Lisa

(Jeno), Halifax, and Stephen (Dana), Victoria, B.C. Nana Claire leaves

behind what she felt were her most precious gifts, her grandchildren, Emma

Claire and Ryan Charles Drohan, whom she loved so dearly. They were her

greatest joy and brought a smile to her face each and every day. Claire

always told them "I love you more than tongue can tell".

A woman of deep religious faith, Claire was an active member of St.

Theresa¹s parish who was devoted to her church and to God. Claire was active

in all aspects of parish life. She was a dedicated, lifetime member and past

president of the Catholic Women¹s League. Claire was the CWL Regional

Convenor for the Diocese of Antigonish and a member of parish council. She

organized countless fundraisers for the parish. It was within the CWL of St.

Theresa¹s parish and her friends within the parish that Mom felt much

purpose, fulfillment and comfort. Claire¹s dedication to service was

recognized when she was awarded the Honourable CWL Maple Leaf award for her

outstanding work.

Born and raised in Whitney Pier Claire was proud of her roots. She graduated

from Holy Angels High School and the Cape Breton Business College. Claire

worked until her children were born and subsequently took the time to

concentrate on raising, loving and nurturing her family who meant the world

to her. After returning to work, Claire spent 25 years with Cooperators

Insurance where she achieved her Associateship as a Chartered Insurance

Professional (CIP), retiring in 2009. During that time, she so loved her

career and her many co-workers in the insurance and legal communities who

were like an extended family to her.

Claire thoroughly enjoyed time with family and friends in her summer home on

the North side of East Bay. She was truly selfless and had a tremendous

sense of compassion. Poet Kahlil Gibran wrote that ³Work is love made

visible², and Claire loved deeply. She was fully dedicated to her family and

friends and reached out to them in times of happiness and need < Claire was

always there for everyone. One could not enter her kitchen without finding

her hard at work on her signature dessert, fresh pork pies, and a good cup

of tea to be enjoyed and her memorable words ³Good dear, good² .

Claire was predeceased by her father, Paddy, and brother, Stephen.

She is survived by Dave (Charlotte) Gillis, Sydney, June (Don) Cashen,

Brackley Beach, PEI, Anne Marie (Francis) McCarthy, Sydney, Dorothy (late

Charlie) MacDonald, Kitchener, Ont., Allan (Debbie) Gillis, Sydney River,

Margie Gillis, Toronto, Ont., Joe (Patricia) Gillis, Sydney River, Barbara

(Arthur OBecky¹) MacDonald, Dartmouth, Peter (Rebecca) Gillis, Sydney,

Blaise (Rose) Gillis, Sydney River, Paul (Kim) Gillis, Halifax; her

father-in-law, Charlie Wall and Dennis¹s brothers and sisters and their

families.

Claire will be sadly missed by extended family Paul Sajatovich, Leone

Gouthro, and her many loving nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel Monday, Nov. 22 from

2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Claire¹s uncle, Father Owen Connolly, and fellow clergy

will preside over the celebration of Claire¹s life which will be held at

Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier, Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. with a

reception to follow at the Ashby Legion.

A private Internment with her family will follow in the Big Pond Cemetery.

Donations in Lieu of flowers may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation

of Canada or the MacGillivary Guest Home.

Online condolences can be sent via email at TWCurry.com.

Good dear, Good