On August 3rd, 2021 Jessie Gillis passed away peacefully in the home where she was born almost 100 years ago, surrounded by her loving family. Jessie was born on October 22, 1923 in Judique, Cape Breton to parents Angus and Mary MacEachern. Jessie's sense of humour and modern, progressive outlook provided an ideal recipe for living a full life. For all of her 97 years, she was ahead of her time.
Jessie spent some time working in Montreal at Dominion Textiles but her heart was in Judique and she returned to her family farm to marry her sweetheart Jerome (Romie) Gillis. Jessie and Romie were a popular couple with countless wonderful friends and neighbours. They raised 12 children together during lean and plentiful times and Jessie kept the same upbeat attitude no matter the circumstances. What a bustling home! Lunch for 20 was an average day and there was always room for few more at the table. Fudge, molasses cookies, biscuits and ice cream in a fancy dish were household staples. She loved all of her children so much, and their well-being was always her greatest concern. She also worked outside the home looking after other families, because there was no end to her love, she always had more to give.
Jessie's incredible memory provided ample material for unlimited funny stories over tea and cards. She was also a practical joker extraordinaire. And how she enjoyed Halloween! Jessie loved to disguise herself and trick her friends and neighbours well into her 90's. Filling the house at Christmas was another joy. Every week she looked forward to waffle Saturday at Catherine's with all the family. She cherished her trips to town with Holly or a ride to the ice cream barn for an orange pineapple cone. Bingo was another passion, she loved to try her luck with her daughter Mary and all her bingo partners.
In her later years, she continued living at home with the love and care of her sons Bernie and Danny and the help of all her family, friends, neighbours and her much appreciated home care workers. She was blind for the last several decades of her life but never let that or anything else stand in her way. She was sharp as a tack til the end...an independent thinker who raised independent thinkers.
Jessie was our beloved matriarch for so many reasons. She was unshockable and found the good in every situation. She believed in being kind and caring and encouraged people to "be who you are". She was part of the Greatest Generation and a true character. Her positive influence will continue to be felt by her family, friends and neighbours for years to come.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Romie Gillis, her siblings Annie Sullivan, Katie MacEachern, Mabel MacEachern, Hugh Mac Eachern, Mary Blouin, two sons-in-law as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by all 12 of her children: Mary (Donald R.) Gillis, Muriel (Tony (decd)) Gillis, Cecilia (Joe) MacEachen, John (Aurea) Gillis, Bernie Gillis, Robert (Diane) Gillis, Marjorie (Donald (decd)) Gillis, Danny (Kelly) Gillis, Sandy Gillis, Gord (Will) Gillis, Catherine Gillis, Stephen (Deanna) Gillis.
She also leaves her 21 grandchildren: Wendy (Adrian), Holly (Dean), Sheldon (Beth), Sheridan (Leigha), Breon (Erin), Louise, Jerry, Mark (Ramona), Diedre, Chris (Gen), Shawn (Deb), Katie (Jeff), Robbie (Jillian), Stacy (Matt),
Christian (Liz), Luke (Angela), Jillian, Crystal (Stephen), Emma, Daniel, and Mack.
She also leaves 22 great-grandchildren: Charles, Jack, Drew, Aiden, Ella, Rory, Matthew, Ewan, Alistair, Leo, Conrad, Jessie, Mary, Calum, River, Alexander. Liam, Rylan, Colton, Mia, Ian, Gordon, three great-great-grandchildren Ariel, Holden, Malcolm and one on the way. Also her grand-nieces and nephews, as well as dear cousins especially Donald.
Visitation is Sunday August 8th in the Judique Fire Hall from 2-9.
Funeral is Monday, August 9th at St. Andrew's Church in Judique at 11a.m. Due to Covid Restrictions the funeral will be family only.
In honour of Jessie's generous spirit, donations can be made to the CNIB, the Judique Fire Department, or buy yourself a lottery ticket and try your luck.
Online condolences may be shared to:www.invernessfuneralhome.com
