CHERYL M. GILLIS

Funeral service for the late Cheryl Margaret Gillis, 56, Whycocomagh, was held December 12 in Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh, with Reverend Alicia Cox officiating. Burial was in Stewartdale Cemetery.

Ms. Gillis died December 7, 2018, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII.

Born in Baddeck, she was a daughter of Anna (Beeson) Gillis and the late Murdock ‘Muckie’ Gillis. She was the longest surviving recipient of a trial heart valve replacement from the Mayo Clinic in MN, USA. She graduated from Whycocomagh Consolidated School in 1981and completed a commercial business program at Mabou Consolidated in 1982. She attended the University College of Cape Breton and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1986. After graduating, she had a variety of work experiences and, in 1996, she began her 21 years of employment with Canada Post. During her years there, she helped respond to the many letters that Santa received from children. She enjoyed travelling to visit family and friends, attending many family gatherings and playing cards. She devoted countless hours to the Stewart United Church and UCW, the Brownies Program, the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department, Summer Festival Activities, Christmas in the Village, and Eastern Star. She was also a dedicated supporter of the IWK, continuously knitting finger puppets, hats, blankets and teddy bears for sick children.

Besides her mother, she is survived by four brothers, Kevin (Sandra), Darrell (Irene), Craig (Terry), Barry (Chrissie); two sisters, Jesslyn (Michael), Marion (Lorne); three nieces, Tamzin (Ryan), Meghan (Jill), Annie; six nephews, Devon (Anna), Jason, Adam (Nicole), Jordan, Kinnon, Riley; two grandnieces, Adelaide, Monroe; three grandnephews, Archer, Alec, William.

She was predeceased by numerous aunts and uncles.

Memorial donations may be made to the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Stewart United Church or a charity of choice.

Online condolences: www.haverstocks.com