Obituary of Catherine Josephine Gillis

GILLIS-the death of Catherine Josephine "Josie" Gillis occurred on Monday, December 18, 2006, at Garden Court, Rocmaura Nursing Home in Saint John. Born on Exmouth St. in Saint John on March 29, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Louis John and Martina (McGuire) MacDonald. Josie lived her whole life near her beloved Cathedral. Josie was born in the shadow of the spire of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and always lived in view of the spire, even in her final days. Josie was known for her mischievous fun, particularly at St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing from where she graduated in 1942. Her early nursing career was in New York. Upon her return to Saint John, she nursed at the St. John Tuberculosis Hospital, the D.V.A. Hospital, and Rocmaura Nursing Home, from where she retired. Some of those who cared for Josie in Garden Court were the same young staff Josie had worked with at Rocmaura. Her family, home, and cooking were great sources of pride; her roast beef dinners and her fruit cakes were family legends. She was a great mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was predeceased by her husband, John Louis "Jack" (1998); a daughter, Mary Elizabeth (1952); grandchildren, Jonathan N. (1985) and Peter John (1988); a brother, Barry MacDonald (Ottawa); and a sister, Margaret Forestell (Saint John). She is survived by her sons, John A. (Heather) of Halifax, Donald F. (Anne Marie) of Saint John; and Hugh J. of Halifax; her grandchildren, Michael A. of Saint John, Stephen E. of London, Ont., A. Kathryn of Halifax, and Duncan M. and Susan Josephine, both of Halifax; her brother, Rev. Frank J. McDonald of Hampton, N.B.; a brother-in-law, Paul Gillis (Kay) of Laguna Hills, Cal; and several nieces and nephews. Resting at Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo St., (506-634-1965) with visiting on Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Friday morning at twelve o'clock. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, the family has suggested that donations in Josephine's name be made to Romero House, Rocmaura Foundation, or the Cathedral fund.