ANITA GILLIS

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ANITA GILLIS (nee BERNARDIN) March 29, 1929 - September 23, 2015 In the early hours of September 23, 2015 a strong heart stopped beating, a kind voice was silenced and the gentle soul of Anita Gillis left us to be with God. Anita was predeceased by her husband Rene; son Lloyd; sisters Berthe, Dorothy and Reine; brothers Paul, Yves, Denis, Norman and Edgar and granddaughter Chrissy. Anita leaves to cherish her memory her sons Roger (Heather), Vince (Nicole) and daughter-in-law Jocy Gillis (Don Campbell). Also missing their Grandma and Nana are her much loved grandchildren Jennifer (Ryan) Buffie, Paul (Christine) Gillis, Breanne (Joel) Martens, Chad (Cara) Gillis, Brent (Sarah) Gillis, Trista (Blair McFadyen) and great-grandchildren Juliet and Desmond Buffie, April Gillis, Evelyn and Penelope Martens, Mason, Caleb and Reese Gillis, and Bentley and Hudson Gillis. She also leaves behind brothers Aime and Reginald (Rita), sister Stella Boily and many special nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends. Anita was born March 29, 1929, the eighth of twelve children born to Magloire and Jeanne (née Dupuis) Bernardin. With exception of the last twenty seven months she lived her entire life in Elie. She married Rene Gillis on June 6, 1950 and began her married life in the back of the Gillis Store owned by her in-laws, Adolph and Gabrielle Gillis. For the next thirty years Anita devoted herself to raising her three boys and many, many hours of hard work in the store seven days a week! To say that she excelled at both is an understatement. Anita loved her curling bonspiels and community, participating whenever she could. She truly enjoyed telling a good joke! Upon her retirement in 1980, Anita enjoyed her home, bingo, bowling, piano lessons, gardening, her duties as Sacristan, poker nights and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anita was loved and was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. The family would like to sincerely thank the kind and caring staff of Douglas Campbell Lodge who took amazing care of her as Alzheimer's slowly stole her away from us. Although it took its toll on her, every once in a while our much loved Mom would shine through and she would call us by name. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anita's name to the Elie Blessed Sacrament Church Building Fund. A celebration of Anita's life will be held in Elie at the Blessed Sacrament Church on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Prayers, eulogy and video at 6:30 p.m. followed by the mass at 7:00 p.m. and private family interment. A reception celebrating Anita's life will be held at the Vet's Hall in Elie after the service. Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 26, 2015