NEW?GLASGOW – Margaret Claire Turnbull (Gillis) of 16 Juniper Ct., died Nov. 1, 2008 following a 17-month illness. She was born, June 6, 1955 in New Glasgow. Graduating from NGHS in 1973, Margie continued her education at St. Francis Xavier University, earning a B.A./B.Ed. She touched the lives of thousands of students during her 28 year career in education which began in Calgary, teaching four years with the Calgary Catholic School System. The last 24 years of her career were in the Pictou County school system, most recently at Walter Duggan Elementary in Westville. Whether in the classroom, mothering her own two children (who made her feel like the proudest and luckiest mom in the world), managing the antics of the family dog “Toby”, or serving in the role of hockey mom, Margie gave her all and did so joyfully. Even when facing the challenges of her diagnosis and treatment, she remained optimistic. Her courage and strength throughout her illness have been an inspiration to those she loved and those who loved her. She was predeceased by her parents Dan and Adele (Mitchell) Gillis of New Glasgow, and niece Kylie Gallagher of Stillwater Lake. Surviving children, Blayre and Brent at home; sisters: Kathleen (Les) Privette, Raleigh N.C.; Joanie (Cliff) McCarville, Sydney; Colleen (Bruce) Gallagher, Stillwater Lake; brothers: Dan (Sue), Cole Harbour; Bill, Toronto; Dennis, Toronto; Allan, New Glasgow; and many nieces and nephews. The family extends an open invitation for friends to join them at a celebration of Margie’s life to be held at Glasgow Square, New Glasgow, on Monday, Nov. 3, program beginning at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday Nov. 4, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. Private burial. Family will receive guests at the home at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margie’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home. E-mail condolences at rh@rhporterfuneralhomesltd.ca