Whitney Pier
It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret Catherine ‘Kitty’ Gillis announce her passing on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Kitty was a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Born on August 6, 1925, in Sydney Forks, Kitty was the daughter of the late Neil and Catherine (MacPherson) MacDonald.
Kitty is survived by her four children, Sandy, Edmonton, AB, Gerard (Cathy), Grimshaw, AB, John Martin (Dianne), Amherst, and Margaret Ann (Craig Brown), South Bar; sister, Teresa Naugle, Dartmouth; cherished grandchildren, Evelyn (Blake Hartley), Karen (Stefan Szkwarek), John (Meghan), Catherine (Michael Janzen), Leanne Byrnes, Neil (Jillian), and Lindsey Brown, and sixteen beautiful great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Kitty was predeceased by her loving husband, John Joseph Gillis, and her siblings, Martha Petrie, Cleo McMahon, John MacDonald, Olive MacDonald, and Sally MacArthur.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Pier Community Funeral Home. As per Mom’s wishes, a private memorial service celebrating her life has already been held.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their exceptional care and support. A special thank you as well to Father Norman MacPhee for offering his prayers and spiritual support for Mom.
Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To Sandy, Gerard, John , Margaret Ann and all the family, my deepest sympathies. I can hardly believe she won’t be next door anymore.
I will miss her presence on this street. It feels as if a part of this
neighborhood is empty.
From: Betty Morrison
Aunt Kitty will remain Forever in our Hearts. I speak also for Mom. Our Family Connection to Our Clan will Live for Eternity.
From: Neil Naugle
Margaret and family, I am sorry to hear about your Mom passing, she will be missed by all who new her, RIP Kitty.
Sincerest Condolences to all the Gillis family,Aunt Kitty we loved you!!
David Naugle and family
To the Gillis Family, (John), I am very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a kind, gentle woman. When growing up and calling on John she would always welcome me with a smile and invite me in to wait for John. I remember her as a wonderful person. RIP
Dear Margaret Ann and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your beautiful mother Kitty’s passing.
Such a lovely lady! If I ever ran into her as time passed, she never forgot us kids from the neighbourhood and she always asked about my own Mother. Always so genuine. I am thinking of you and sending you a huge hug Margaret Ann, please take care.
May she rest in peace.
Gillis family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
So sorryfor your loss Margaret Ann ,Craig and Lindsey
Sending hugs
Peggy ang JJ King
Dear Margaret Ann and Gillis cousins,
So very sorry to hear of Aunt Kitty’s passing. She was an amazing, loving woman who delighted small children. We were always so excited to visit in summers, and Aunt Kitty made those stays turn into the best memories. We loved her and will always miss her. Hugs to you all.
Sending condolences to you all on the loss of Dear Aunt Kitty. Not a day went by that she and mom didn’t on the phone when mom was still able to. They were such great friends as well as supportive sisters to each other over their lives.
Thinking of you all .
Sincerely
Margaret Anne , Clifford and family
Aunt Kitty’s Love will Forever Live in our Hearts. I Speak also for Mom. Our Family Connection will live through Eternity. Love Neil
Sandy, Ernie and I want to say to you, and all your family how sorry we are at the loss of your Mom. I am sure that you all have great memories that you will share and help you through this sad time in your lives, take care,
Elissa
Dear Margret Anne and families
I worked with your mother many years ago at Canadian Tire and she was a sweet lady . I have often thought of her over the years , she was so kind . From out on the Mira to Whitney Pier our paths would cross. The world has lost a beautiful person .