Gillis, Catherine May (Dennis) Skye Glen, Inverness Co., passed peacefully in the Inverary Manor, Inverness on Thursday, September 10, 2020 with her family by her side. Her life journey was shared for over 50 years by her loving husband, Allan. They married on June 13, 1970, making their home in Skye Glen and more recently Inverness. She is already sorely missed by her grateful daughters. Born on December 17, 1944 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Agnes (MacDonald) of South Lake Ainslie and James (Jim) Dennis of O’Leary, Prince Edward Island, Catherine spent her early years in Sommerville, Massachusetts. In 1949 the family moved home to Headlake (South Lake Ainslie). Her early education was at South Lake Ainslie School, then in the village, with a final year at the newly built Whycocomagh Consolidated School. She completed grade eleven and later obtained the equivalent of grade twelve through General Educational Development. With pride, she became a Canadian citizen in 1973. Catherine worked in Whycocomagh as a cashier at the Co-op and a waitress at the Texaco Restaurant. She was a teller at Scotiabank, Port Hawkesbury, a bookkeeper in the business office at Canadian Tire, Port Hastings, and then a receptionist at Canada Manpower Centre. In 1977, Allan and Catherine took over ownership and operated the family’s general store, Skye Glen Grocery, until 1996. Catherine then worked in reception at Auberge Gisele’s Inn until retirement in 2013. Family was Catherine’s first priority. She and Allan always supported their children, ensuring they had ample access to education and extracurricular activities. They continued this and enjoyed many adventures with their grandchildren, Mikaela and Nathan. Catherine spent much time volunteering for church and community, instilling these values in her children. Her kindness and thoughtfulness were appreciated by family and friends. Crosswords and sudoku were a favourite pastime. Most evenings she could be found at a local card game. She is also remembered for her love of lemon pie. Catherine was a dedicated member of Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh, and a past member of East Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church. She is a life member of United Church Women. Catherine enjoyed singing at home and in church, as well as a number of years with Inverness County Singers. Catherine May is survived by her husband Allan Gillis, (Skye Glen) Inverness; daughters, Angela (Wayne) Gillis, Dartmouth; Stephanie (Michael) Sievers, Montreal; Gail Gillis, Halifax; and Patricia Gillis, Halifax; grandchildren, Mikaela and Nathan Sievers, Montreal. She is also survived by her sister, Gloria (Duncan) MacFadyen, Aberdeen; brother-in-law, Bill (Diane) Gillis, Halifax; sisters-in-law, Louise Gillis and Pauline Gillis, Sydney; several special nephews and nieces; many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Jim Dennis. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Susie Egar, doctors, nurses, and support staff at Inverness Memorial Consolidated Hospital, for their expertise and compassion during this difficult time. We would also like to thank all the folks at Inverary Manor who made it feel like home, for their dedication and ongoing support. Many became so special to Mom. Thanks to Arlene, Brittany, Deborah, and Donna for providing the care we all needed before Mom and Dad moved to Inverness. Visitation is on Friday, September 18th from 4-8 p.m., in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Funeral will be held in Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh, on Saturday, September 19th at 2 p.m., with Jennifer Billard officiating. Audio will be available for folks who prefer to remain outdoors during the funeral. Burial will take place at Skye Glen Cemetery following the service. All are welcome. Unfortunately, due to COVID, there will be no reception. Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be made to Skye Glen Cemetery, Stewart United Church, or a charity of choice. In keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, all attendees will be asked to provide their names and telephone number upon arrival at the funeral home and the church. Social distancing protocols are to be followed and masks are mandatory. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation Friday, September 18, 2020 Visitation Time 4-8 p.m. Visitation Location Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh Service Information Service Date Saturday, September 19, 2020 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh Burial Information Burial Date Saturday, September 19, 2020 Burial Time Following Funeral Service Burial Location Skye Glen Cemetery