Obituary of Helena Gillis

GILLIS, Mary “Helena” Elizabeth – At Bluewater Health on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, Helena died peacefully surrounded by her family following a heart attack.   Helena was born December 11, 1923 in Escuminac, N.B., was a resident of Sarnia, Ontario for 25 years and formerly of Sudbury, Ontario.  She is predeceased by her parents Walter and Ida Jimmo, brothers Preston, John, Blair, Perly, sisters Therese and Ann, and her husband of 28 years, Everett Joseph Gillis (1976).  She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Ann and James Rowe and her son Blair and Anne Marie Gillis, grand children Darryl and Wendy, Vanessa, Selyn and great-grandchild Myla Anne.  Helena was a passionate Montreal Canadians fan which she shared with her grandson Darryl and great-granddaughter Myla, an avid Quilter which she shared with her granddaughter Vanessa, and had a love of music and dance which she shared with her granddaughter Selyn. Helena was employed at Sudbury General as a R.N.A. and was an active volunteer in Sudbury and Sarnia.  She enjoyed walks around the city and talking to the many passersby. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild were the love and joy of her life.  She will be dearly missed.  Special thank you to the Doctors and nurses of the ER and CC Unit of the Bluewater Health and the EMS Unit that responded to the call.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Peter Keller at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, May 7th at 11 a.m.  Cremation to follow with a private family interment in LaSalle Roman Catholic Cemetery in Sudbury.  In lieu of flowers and gifts please donate to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation, 774 London Rd., Sarnia, ON  N7T 4Y1.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com   A tree will be planted in memory of Helena Gillis in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area