GILLIS, MARY ELIZABETH "BESSY"
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Elizabeth (who we fondly called Bessy) on Saturday, March 19, 2016. She died peacefully at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont UHC in Moncton, N.B. after a lengthy illness. She was 82 years old.
Bessy was the youngest child of William James Gillis and his wife Mary (Haley), both predeceased. She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her three older brothers: Bill (wife Pat) Gillis of Moncton, Bob (predeceased wife Janice) Gillis of Campbellton, N.B. and Ralph (wife Alice Marie) Gillis also of Moncton. She will also be very much missed by all her nieces and nephews (now 3 generations worth) to whom she was always like a second mother.
Bessy was born on July 19, 1933 in Campbellton where she lived and worked until 1977 when her work took her to Moncton. She spent her entire working career as a dedicated secretary for the Canadian National Railway from which she retired in 1988. In her younger days, Bessy loved to ski and camp but her greatest love was that of music. She belonged to various choral groups, played the piano beautifully and instilled her great affection for musical theatre and classical music in many of her nieces and nephews. Her other great love was that for her own as well as the neighbourhood dogs whom she spoiled much to the consternation of their owners. Bessy was a very kind and generous person who was always willing to share all she had with those less fortunate. She spent many shifts at the Karing Kitchen soup kitchen, wanting to help those in need. Another of Bessy’s greatest assets was her wonderful sense of humour which could make any discussion with her so much fun.
The family would like to thank the dedicated medical staff at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont UHC who tried to make Bessy’s last few months so comfortable.
In accordance with Bessy’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation. She simply wished to be buried in the family plot at the Campbellton Rural Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995)
For those who wish to make a donation, her favourite charity was the Karing Kitchen, 75 Alma Street, Moncton N.B. E1C 4Y3.
Online condolences at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com