ELLEN SOPHIA GILLIS (GIOVANETTI)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ELLEN SOPHIA GILLIS (nee GIOVANETTI) March 20, 1917 - September 4, 2003 It is with great and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother Ellen Sophia Gillis on September 4, 2003 at the age of 86, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimers. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Osborne in 1992. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Donna, husband Murray Botterill and granddaughter Christa; her daughter Jackie, husband John Warkentin and grandchildren, Darryl and Heather; her sisters-in-law, Donalda Cross and Norma Gillis; and nieces and nephews, Susan, Jamie, Lori, Sheri, Kathy, Dan, Larry, and their families. Mom moved to Winnipeg from Sydney, NS after she married Osborne "Bus" Gillis in 1945. They resided at 74 Riverbend Ave. in St. Vital all their married life. During that time, you could always find both of them at home or out for a ride somewhere in or around Winnipeg. After Bus passed away in 1992, Mom was able to stay in their home until 1997. In 1997, Mom moved from St. Vital to Rosewood Village on Wilkes Avenue, where she continued to enjoy herself and make many friends. In 2001, Mom relocated to Golden Links Lodge. Mom always showed a love for life and for her friends. She enjoyed being dressed "to the nines" with her favourite bright red lipstick even it was just to sit outside. Moms favourite hobby was knitting. She could always be found at home in the rec room watching television with Bus and creating a scarf for the new little kid on the block, a toque for one of her grandchildren or socks for the sons-in law. Mom gave away many of her works she made just for the sheer pleasure of giving rather than receiving. Mom enjoyed playing bingo. When Mom was able, she enjoyed attending Christas horse shows and loved to give Christa advice on how to ride. She was very proud of Christas accomplishments. Mom will be missed by her constant companion, her cat Buddy - who now lives with us. A special thank you to a special Aunt "Donnie Cross" who has made this incredible journey through Alzheimers with us. Your support and advice means more than you will ever know. The family wishes to thank Dr. Karen Boyd for her care and compassion in treating Mom. To my colleagues at American Express, I thank you for your constant support and understanding. We extend our thanks for the care Ellen received at Golden Links Lodge. A special acknowledgement of appreciation to nurses Lorna, Jackie, Diane and Edward. The happiness we saw in our mother throughout the two years she spent there have been a joy and a gift that we will always treasure. Thank you for providing excellence in care. A memorial service to celebrate Moms life will take place at 3:00 p.m. Monday September 8 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Golden Links Lodge, 2280 St. Marys Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2N 3Z6; or to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 07, 2003