Sydney
It is with deepest sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Mary Gillis after a brief illness with cancer, on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born on January 24, 1944, in Sydney, Mary was the daughter of the late Ronald and Ella (Carew) Rowe.
Mary grew up in the Pier and soon started her career at the Adult Vocational Training Centre. Mary was a loyal and supportive friend. She loved playing cards with her club friends, playing bingo, and loved to have a good laugh. Mary liked to keep up to date on all that was going on. She was known to ask, “what’s your father’s name” and chances were she knew them. What Mary loved most was to go for drives around our beautiful island with friends and her fur companion, Lilli.
Mary is survived by her two sons, Craig and Scott (Annette); grandchildren, her pride and joy, Ben, Sam and Jenna; brothers, Bobby (Wilma), Harold (Bettina), Brian (Kay), and Barry (Joan); sisters-in-law, Mae and June; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Jimmy ‘Champ’ Gillis, and siblings, Maxine, Phyllis, Allan and Ron.
Memorial service to celebrate the life of Mary Gillis will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. with Fr. James Oliver officiating. Interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Donations in memory of Mary, may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To The Family of The Late Sister Gillis.
So sorry to hear of your loss of Sister.
She was a good friend and a good neighbor.
Treasure your memories and God Bless.
Sincerely
From: Greta Nearing.
I have such fond memories of growing up next door to the Rowe family.We had a great connection then and though some of us lost touch,the memories remain.It has been a very challenging time for the Rowe family and I keep you all in my prayers for strength.The world has lost a great gal when we lost sister.
From: Brenda Tomie
Craig, Scott and Families,
Sending condolences to the entire Gillis/Rowe Families. Sister was a sweet loving woman, whom I had the pleasure of growing up with in the “Pier”. I shared many breakfast’s with her and Jimmy when I was shotgunning on his truck at Pier Services. May you rest in peace “sister” and I hope the famiies find peace and love during this most grievious period!
Respectfully,
Josie Hollohan
From: WILLIAM JOE HOLLOHAN
Craig, Scot and the Rowe Family please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother and sister. Sister was a wonderful woman and will be missed by many. My thoughts and Prayers are with all.
Dear Craig & Scott:
What a well-written obituary and testament to such a wonderful woman. As a witness to the beautiful friendship she had with my mother, I can attest to the fact that she was the best friend a person could have. I know her loss will be felt greatly by so many people, especially your family. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet (MacEachern) MacDonald
Deepest condolences to the Gillis and Rowe family may she rest in peace .kenny &Gail Dunn
To say we are heartbroken is an understatement to say the least, to lose not only Sissy but Ronnie as well only two days apart. They will both leave voids that will never be filled. Hugs to all that share our huge loss.
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Sister’s passing.
So very sorry the Gillis and Rowe family loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Sending all Family 💕& Friends our deepest sympathy. She was a lovely family friend & yes she loved to laugh.💐💐💐💐
So long Sister it was great to know you.
Doddy & Bobby
So very sorry to the Gillis and Rowe families for their loss of a beloved mother and friend,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
As a child I spent as much time at the Rowe house as I did at my own. Sister and Phillis were like my own sisters. We did pretty much everything together. Ella and Mary would scold me right along with the girls if We did the slightest thing wrong. I can still picture sister with two braids and rosy cheeks a picture of health.
My condolences go out to Craig and Scott and his family . Sister loved you all so much. It has been a difficult week for the Rowe family but your love for each other will see you
through.. wish I could be there to take part in the celebration of Sister’s life..
Dear Craig, Scott and family:
We were deeply saddened to hear of your moms passing. Many years have passed since we spent time together but I have wonderful memories of laughs, kindness and friendship. Many mornings she was my drive to CCB , rain or shine. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Dave Mary(MacEachern) French
My deepest condolences to both Families.. Sister was a very nice Lady. Sister and my wife Trudy Joseph were very close all through their lives. She would phone here and ask”where is the other one? ” I did not have to ask who was calling. She will be dearly missed. RIP. Sister.
To; Craig, Scott and family of Sister, I extend my sincere condolences. May Sister rest in peace.
Scott, Annette and Family
So very sad to read of your mothers passing. We send our sincere condolences to you and all of the Gillis family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Such beautiful words, my condolences to you Craig and the rest of the Gillis family.
My deepest condolences to you Craig, your brother and entire family. Your mom was clearly a special person and most surely will be missed. Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.