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Gillis, Mary T. of Plainville, formerly of Walpole, passed away surrounded by her loving family at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at the age of 83, after a short illness.
The third oldest of four children, Mary was born on August 26, 1934 and raised in Roxbury, MA, daughter of Michael and Mary Gordon of Roxbury, MA, formerly of Ireland. On May 27, 1961, she married Joseph H. Gillis and shared a wonderful life together raising their five children in Walpole, MA. They later moved to Plainville, MA, where she resided until her death.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Joseph H. Gillis. She was also predeceased by baby Mary, and her sister, Catherine Hughes of Walpole.
Mary was a mother and a homemaker her entire life. After raising her children, she worked at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain for many years. She was also a devoted parishioner of St. Martha’s Church in Plainville, MA and Blessed Sacrament in Walpole.
Mary’s fondest memories were those summer months spent with her family in Sebago, ME. The endless memories created will be cherished by all forever. She also enjoyed her vacations to Cape Cod, Ireland, Alaska, Nova Scotia and winters in Florida with her late husband (Joe), family and friends.
She was an avid sports fan, following the Celtics, Patriots and especially the Red Sox, always rooting for her team. She was often found recording and tracking the Red Sox statistics. Theo should have called her for advice and she sure could sing “Sweet Caroline.” She was even there for the “Mother’s Day Miracle” game on Sunday, May 14, 2007.
Family was a deep passion of Mary’s and she was always happiest surrounded by their love. She will be remembered by everyone she knew as an incredibly selfless mother. Her greatest loves were her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She was our matriarch, our friend and “Our Rock.”
Mary is survived by five children; Maryellen Gillis of North Attleboro, MA, John J. Gillis and partner, Jeanette Dugas of N. Sebago, ME, Stephen P. Gillis and his wife Maureen Kirkpatrick of Walpole, MA, Joseph H. Gillis Jr. of Portland, ME, and Laurie A. Gillis (MSP) and her husband Christopher of East Longmeadow, MA. Devoted “Grammy” to five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Cherished sister of Ellen Gordon of Walpole, and Rita Kirwan and her husband, Christopher of Walpole as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Friday February 16th 4PM-7PM at Alexander F. Thomas & Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common St., Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday February 17, 2018 at 10 AM at St. Martha’s Church, 227 South Street, Plainville, MA. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island at One Bullfinch Place - 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114 or www.massri.wish.org in her memory – Mary T Gillis.
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