Obituary of Theresa Gillis

GILLIS, Theresa (nee MacDonald) Born on September 10, 1933 in West Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and passed away peacefully on February 6, 2021 in Leamington, Ontario at Erie Shores Hospice at the age of 87 surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Angus Lawrence (2006). Loving and devoted mother of Daniel (1971), Richard, Jessie, Mark and his wife Eleanor and Scott (2000). Beloved grandmother of Ryan, Jason, Daniel, William, Matthew and Catherine. Dear sister of Magdalen MacDonell (the late Vesty) of Michigan. Predeceased by her siblings Annie Laurie Gillis (Jerome), Neil Charlie MacDonald (Jean), Alex Hughie MacDonald (Mary), Katie Mae Nicholson (the late Jimmy), Margie Hooker (the late Elgin) and Christy Rankin (the late Finley Archie). Theresa will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Born in West Mabou, Nova Scotia, she moved to the Detroit /Windsor area to work as a nurse's assistant. Eventually she met the love of her life Angus in the 1950’s and were married in Detroit on August 4, 1956. Together they raised five wonderful children and created a beautiful life together until his passing in 2006. Her door was always open to visitors with a warm smile and a hearty laugh and many teas and dileags were shared amongst many of her dear friends. She was a proud member of the Cape Breton Club of Windsor and Detroit where she strongly encouraged everyone to keep the Cape Breton culture alive. She could often be found listening to fiddle music and steppin’ her off around the home and at any Cape Breton function in Mabou and throughout Inverness county. During her retirement, Theresa continued her devotion of service to others by caring for them in their home, taking them for errands or appointments or just being a friendly ear. A heartfelt thank you to all the doctors and nurses for your exceptional care, support and compassion as well as to those who kept Theresa in their thoughts and prayers throughout her illness. We are forever grateful and blessed that you were a part of her life. Visiting at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central Chapel) 1700 Tecumseh Road East, 519-253-7234 on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 and Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 1-9 p.m. Masks must be worn while in the funeral home. Reservations are required to attend the visitation. Please call the funeral home between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to reserve your spot. A private family service will be held in the chapel on Friday, February 12, 2021 with interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Erie Shores Hospice, Muscular Dystrophy or Parkinson’s Socety would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com The livestream will begin at 10:00 a.m. and may be viewed by following the below link: https://youtu.be/i3L6Dh61R4A A tribute slideshow may be viewed by following the below link: https://youtu.be/a_GZh0nB8pI