Whitney Pier

It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Rita Gillis, announce the peaceful passing at home of our mom on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 19, 1923, in Sydney, Rita was the daughter of the late Michael and Margaret (Campbell) MacDonald.

Rita was a lifelong member of Holy Redeemer Church, and her faith guided her throughout her life. We are forever grateful for her loving influence, devotion to family, beautiful smile, and lighthearted sense of humour.

Rita is survived by her children, Andrew (Lynne), James, Carol, and Janet; grandchildren, Kyla (Dillon Burgess), and Nichole (Matt Marshall); great-grandchildren, Finley and Hudson Burgess, and Peyton and Jackson Marshall.

Besides her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husband, Michael; sisters, Marion, Elizabeth, Cecilia, Rachel, and Isobell; brothers, Angus, Roderick, Murdock, and Joseph; daughter-in-law, Karen Gillis, and grandson, Evan Gillis.

We would like to thank Dr. Mary Doyle and Debbie for their attention to mom’s care over the years. We would also like to thank Sylvia and Steve MacNeil and family.

Visitation for the late Rita Gillis will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Holy Redeemer Building Fund or a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

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