Carmel Margaret 'Marge' (Sharkey) Gillis
Born In: Saint John, Canada
Born: January 28th, 1928
Passed in: Jamesville
Passed on: October 26th, 2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Born in Saint John, N.B., she was the fourth child of Margaret Angela (Sliney) and Peter Louis Sharkey.
She graduated from St. Vincent Catholic Girls School and prior to her marriage worked as a telephone operator in Saint John, N.B.
Her move from the city of Saint John to post war rural Cape Breton was quite a culture shock, having no access to indoor plumbing, electricity or a motor vehicle. However, she settled in and embraced the local people and lifestyle. She lead a harmonious life that always included music, song and family. Living in a predominantly Scottish culture, she did not hesitate to remind us of our Irish roots. She was a stay-at-home mother, raising nine children and one grandchild.
She is survived by her children, Kevin (Elizabeth), Stellarton, N.S., Rod (Debbie) Glace Bay, N.S., Jim (Lily) Tantallon, N.S., Maria (Gabe) Carriere, Cornwall, Ont., Janet (Lawrence) MacKinnon, Jamesville, N.S., Cathy (Byron) MacMillan, Jamesville, N.S., Carmel (Blair) MacDonald, Timberlea, N.S., John (Alexis) Jamesville, N.S., granddaughter, Colette Thomas, Jamesville, N.S.; and daughter-in-law, Margaret Gillis, Glace Bay. She is also survived by sisters, Josephine Cusack, Dartmouth, N.S., Theresa Ward, Saint John, N.B.; and brother, Phil Sharkey, Plaster Rock, N.B.; 28 other grand-children and three great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Neil John Gillis, her daughter, Barbara Thomas and granddaughter, Shauna Gillis, as well as sister, Maureen Sharkey and brothers, Pat and John 'Jack' Sharkey.
Visitation will take place at the Iona Parish Center 2-9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct 29. A service of Christian burial will be 11a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30 at St Columba Church, Iona, Rev. Paul Abbass officiating. Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, MacKinnon’s Harbour.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to MacAskill’s Funeral Home, Baddeck.
Family flowers only. Memorial donations can be made to the Victoria County Hospice Society or charity of your choice.
“... and sing, sing to the Glory of the Lord”
