Obituary of Mary Margaret Frances Gillen

The death of Mary Margaret Frances Gillen, lifelong resident of Saint John, occurred on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, at the Kiwanis Nursing Home, Sussex, NB. Margaret was the daughter of the late Harding William and Genevieve Frances (Dunn) Gillen. Margaret graduated from St. Vincent's High School in 1929 as Valedictorian and Gold Medallist. She continued her education at Fredericton Provincial Normal School, graduating in 1930. She then received her BA from UNB in 1944 and a BED in 1955, while earning her MA in French from Middlebury Vermont in 1944. Miss Gillen taught three years in rural districts; Smithtown, Cedar Camp and Hampstead and 11½ at city schools before taking on the Principalship of North Minto Graded School for three years. For 22 years Margaret taught English and French at the Saint John Vocational School. On retirement Miss Gillen taught upgrading classes at Community College for five years. Margaret completed her long and distinguished educational career as a supply teacher for years at her Alma Mater, St. Vincent's High School, under then Principal, Mr. Tom Higgins. Margaret was a member of many societies, including; St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary, SJRH Auxiliary, Rocmaura Auxiliary, Seagulls of Market Square, Charter member of Minto CWL, St. Peter's CWL , which she has served a term as president, founding member of St. Peter's Golden Gate Club, Charter member of the Scholarship Committee of St. Vincent's Alumnae, life member of UNB Alumnae, NB Society of Retired Teachers and the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick. She is survived by 10 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews and 6 great great nieces and nephews. Margaret was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by four brothers, all having served in World War II, Hugh N. Gillen (KIA), Maurice A. Gillen, Louis T. Gillen and Rev. Edward Gillen CSsR, three sisters, Teresa Hynes, M. Catherine Gillen and Sr. Ellen Gillen (Sr. Mary Edwardina) and nephews Philip and Patrick Hynes. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter's Church, Clarendon Street, Saint John on Friday, November 5, 2004 at 12:00 Noon. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Remembrances to Romero House Soup Kitchen or the charity of the donors' choice would be appreciated.