August 30, 1940 – November 6, 2021
It is with sorrow and quite frankly some relief, that we announce the death of Hannah Marie Gillis. She died at Parkwood Hospital, on Saturday, November 6, 2021. She was surrounded by family and passed peacefully; just the way she wanted it. She loved her family and all the wonderful friends she made along the way – from school aged friends from Holy Angels to new friends she met at bowling, canoeing and dancing. She really hated that Covid curtailed her activities over the last two years. It meant she missed the connections she had with people she met along the way.
She was born to Kenneth and Mary MacMillan, in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The family referenced the children as the four boys (Donnie, Leo, Kenneth & Cecil) and Hannah. She cherished her brothers and has told stories over the years of skating with Donnie at the Sydney Forum; to stealing brother Leo’s skates to learn how to skate in the Burnt Woods (and recently we heard about a car theft); to cutting Kenneth’s hair once so short that he had to wear a cap to work for months; and to baby Cecil, who use to show up on pay day at her first job at the Metropolitan in Sydney so she could buy him a toy. While miles may have separated them, they remained close throughout the years. When they were able to get together you continued to feel the connection they’ve had since childhood.
When this illness hit her, she had a “Circle of Life” attitude about it – she said she was lucky for the life she had – she raised five children and enjoyed her grandchildren (who remember tearing around the house on Victoria Street on Christmas Eve). There have recently been two great-grandchildren welcomed. She married Bob and they enjoyed building their life together; in particular, camping at Long Point and many trips to Tennessee. Bob died in 2012 and she missed him every day.
She always liked to try new things. She was able to realize a dream of visiting Scotland with her partner in crime Cleta. They supported each other throughout the years and had many adventures together. They even managed to somehow make themselves so memorable on the trip to Scotland that the tour guide continued to call Mom years after the trip to see if they wanted to go again.
Being from the East Coast was something she was very proud of; humour is in the DNA of the people from Cape Breton. She had her sense of humour right to the end, we had many laughs over the last number of weeks. We had to keep her supplied with Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, and she called her cheesies her “Orange Pills”, which she would demand along with her other medications. She came from a strong family and instilled in us that same family connection. We are all very grateful to have had her in our lives as a mother and woman filled humour, care, and stubbornness. She was Hannah, Sister, Friend, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, Nana, GG and Short Arse!
Thank you to the staff of the Palliative Unit at Parkwood and to Dr. Cathy Faulds for helping Mom in her final phase of life. She felt safe and well looked after.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place in Spring/Summer 2022. Interment will take place in Sydney, Nova Scotia down the road. Cremations and Celebrations, Arva (519-963-4003) entrusted with arrangements.
If desired, donations in Hannah’s honour to Turning Point – London, ON would be appreciated by the family
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Marg Van Puymbroeck says
My deepest sympathies!
judy Wagar says
Hannah, your were such a beautiful lady inside and out. I’m so glad that I met you through our bowling league. You always lit up a room , when you were present.
RIP Judy Wagar
Maureen says
We all have heavy hearts here in Cape Breton.
Hannah was always very much apart of our family and we will miss her dearly, but remember her always!!!
All our love from our family to yours.
Maureen Lively.
Hugh and Doris Gillis says
We were so sorry to learn of Hannah’s death, and we extend our condolences to her extended family. She was a wonderful woman – kind, funny and with a zest for living. She and Bob (or Robert to us, his siblings) were very happy together.
Nicole Vienneau and Patrick OConnor says
What a beautiful tribute to a rich, love-filled life.
Blessings of peace to you Rick and Tania and all of your families.
Nicole + Patrick
Margaret Davies says
I will miss your smile, hugs and laughter
Sherri and Greg Hubley says
To the entire Mac Queen clan—Hannah was certainly one of a kind, she’ll be greatly missed. I’m sure her and Dad will get into all kinds of trouble ‘up there’. See you in 2022.
John & Sheila Teeple says
Wonderful remembrance the family posted of Hannah! We have the pleasure of being part of the family and now have to say goodbye! You will be missed Hannah. Adios our friend until we meet again. Hugs to the family!
Donald and Judy MacMillan says
Hannah we will miss you at family reunions. I recall skating with you at the Sydney Forum. We would zoom around the ice, you with the long blades and holding tight to my arm while we performed the figure eights in and out around the other skaters. I also recall walking with you on Charlotte St and pretending you had a dog on a leach and excusing the dog to on coming walkers and the fun they had after they realized there was no dog. You were one of a kind and I am glad you are my sister. We will see you among the clouds.
Jim and Sandra Roche from Uxbridge,on. says
A wonderful lady who put others before her needs and was so helpful to others in their need.
Laura And Bryan Tucker says
We will always remember Hannah as kind, welcoming, and warm hearted. Please accept our condolences. May she and Bob rest peacefully together now.
Laura And Bryan Tucker says
We will always remember Hannah as kind, welcoming, and warm hearted. Please accept our condolences. May she and Bob rest peacefully together now.
Anne Cooney says
My deepest condolences to the family. Godspeed Hannah 💕
Earlla Vickers says
I will always remember Hannah. We went through the University years at Western and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner, collegue and friend than
Hannah. Her humour, honest straight-from-the-shoulder observations of life, me and whatever we happened to be studying at the time, was inspiring, endearing and indelible. I went on to have a 30 career in Psychotherapy because in the beginning, Hannah believed in me and encouraged me all the way.
I am ever grateful knowing that Hannah lived a full and loving life, so well
deserved. Earlla Vickers
Donna MacMillan says
We are all so sorry to hear about Hannah. She was a favourite Aunt for sure! She has always held a very special place in my heart. She will be sadly missed by all. Hugs to everyone.
Edith says
My sincere sympathy to All the family.It is hard to believe that Hannah has passed away. It’s only a few days ago i talked to her. She loved her family as well as her family in Cape Breton especially her cousin Charles who locked her in the outside toilet when she used come to Baddeck and stay at her Aunt Alice’s place.We have to Thank the Lord that he relieved her of her pain even though its so very hard to lose her. We will meet again Hannah.
Cecil MacMillan says
A sister,mentor and a friend. Sadly missed. Rest lightly on clouds on your trip to the here after. Always love.
Judith Comartin says
Hannah, I loved you and will miss you. Glad we reconnected a few years ago. I see you and Bob together again. In Joy eternally.
Sadie Mac Lean & Family says
So happy her and I had a great chat last Sunday and had looked forward to one tonight,but it wasn’t meant to be…Always looked forward to Hannah’s visits to Cape Breton,our sincere sympathy to all her family,may she rest in peace !!
Sadie Mac Lean & Family says
It was so nice to talk to you last Sunday Hannah,and I had looked forward to doing it again today,but it wasn’t meant to be, rest in peace Hannah,my sincere sympathy to all family members,the obituary certainly says how much you enjoyed life and will be remembered and missed by all !!! Especially your Cape Breton Family !!
Caroll HALFORD says
Hannah I am so grateful to have been lucky enough to call you my friend. We had many crazy adventures together, from silent 10 day meditation retreats to burning our bras in Woodstock N.Y. From allowing us to make toilet paper dresses for you and my daughter at her wedding shower and at Jennifer’s wedding day when the photographer took a picture of you holding Jennifer’s face and looking into her eyes with so much love. The photographer said it was the best wedding photo he had ever taken and referred to you as Jennifer’s aunt.
I never dance Van Morrison’s These Are The Days without thinking of you and how much you loved sacred circle dance till your feet wouldn’t let you dance anymore.
It made me sad that because of covid I couldn’t physically hug you goodbye but you are never more than a breath away and if there is an afterlife I am filled with joy that Bob would be there with open arms to greet you.
Love to your family during this time but you are proof that if you do the work and are open to miracles they do happen. So glad you were able to leave as graciously as you lived. I love you my friend and today in sanga, we held you..
Greg And Barb MacMillan says
A beautiful obit, for a beautiful person. We are thinking of you guys.
Greg & Barb