GILLIS, Joanna ‘Nan’ Sydney

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Nan Gillis on Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

Born in Deep Cove, Cape Breton on May 24, 1922, Nan was the daughter of the late John Archie and Elizabeth (MacDougall) Thomas. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Nan was a long serving member of the Ladies Aid of St. Margaret’s parish, Grand Mira, and a lady of strong faith. When you visited Nan, you were sure to be given a hot cup of tea and one of her famous biscuits which were in and out of the oven within 15 minutes. She was a kind and gentle soul who had a great love for her family, friends, and community. She was very loved and will be deeply missed.

A resident of Grand Mira, Nan is survived by eight daughters and one son, Elizabeth, Sandra McDonald, Mary (Joe Burke), Donnie (Julie), Carmel (Wells Woodill), Joan (Allan Keating), Stella (Philip Stow), Margaret and Anne LeBrasseur, and daughter-in-law, Sue Gillis. Nan had 21 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren whom she loved very much. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Nan was predeceased by her loving husband, John Angus Gillis; two sons, Raymond (Sue) and Joseph Gillis, and her beloved grandson, Matthew Keating (Theresa). She was also predeceased by her sisters, Mary Ann MacDonald, Sadie Black and Margaret MacDonald, and her brothers, John, Ambrose, Steve and Harry.

Visitation for Nan will be held at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017 at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret’s Church, Grand Mira, Sat., September 30, 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul MacGillivray officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery.

Donations may be made to the St. Margaret’s Cemetery Fund, Grand Mira in memory of Nan.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.twcurry. com.