Freda Betsy Gillis nee (Cook)
December 05, 1910 – January 10, 2019
Freda Betsy Gillis (nee Cook); Peacefully answered His call in the early hours of January 10th, 2019 with family by her side.
Freda was born on December 5th, 1910, in Cartyville, to Richard T. Cook and Florence (Newman) Cook. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother to Thomas J. Gillis of the Highlands and their five children. An intelligent, capable, creative woman of strength, loyalty and courage she was diligent and generous in her efforts to support her family and her community. She was involved in the early Cooperative movement in the Highlands, in the provincial Jubilee Guild and in the St. Columcille Parish. While raising their children Freda helped tend the farm to produce not only their food, but also their clothing. As the children grew she took on the role of secretary/bookkeeper for T.J. Gillis & Sons, their contracting company that cut pulpwood and later built roads to the Bowater’s wood camps. She and Tommy lived in the camps at River Brook, Butter Brook and North Branch. Her love for travel and adventure took her across Canada, into the United States and Europe. There were hardships and loss over her 108 years. Those she bore with determination and dignity. There were meals to be prepared, tables to be set, friends to embrace, songs to be sung and stories to be shared. Her quick witted mind (and sometimes, sharp tongue) delighted in conversation with nearly everyone she encountered. Freda lived her life with purpose. There was always something that needed to be done, generally for someone other than herself. She always embraced her next project, be it significant or not, with enthusiasm. Hence, her skilled hands and mind were seldom still. They who witnessed Freda’s early years have all gone on before her. However, to find her greatest legacy one must turn to the future, beyond her children, and even her grandchildren, to the great-grandchildren and their children to realize how much one woman’s love, dedication and example could impact so many. The love, respect and admiration these young people have for this very old woman, who at one time opened her door and her heart to them with a genuine interest in who they were and who they might become, is evidence of those values she has inspired throughout the decades.
Freda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tommy; her son Doug, his wife Kay, and their daughter Judy; her son-in-law Patrick Power, her parents; her sisters Floss, Mae and Elsie and their spouses, and her brothers Eddy, Ivor and Arthur and his spouse.
Left to cherish Freda’s memory and share her stories are daughters Vera Bruce and Emeria Power; her sons Hugh and his wife Theresa; and Malcolm and his wife Florence; and her sister-in-law Freda Cook; her dozens of grandchildren, twice again as many great-grandchildren and a new generation of great-great grandchildren are now appearing on the horizon. Freda also leaves behind much loved nieces, nephews, close friends and neighbours.
Sincere thanks are extended to Community Health nurses, Melanie and Lori who implemented Freda’s in home care program, to TLC caregivers Darlene and Josie for their exemplary care and competency and to all others who so compassionately provided their services and support. Due to weather conditions and family circumstances a Mass and Celebration of Freda’s life will take place in St. Columcille Parish, St. Fintan’s at a later date. Dates and times will be published in the Western Star.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Freda Betsy Gillis nee Cook December 05 1910 January 10 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Stephenville, Province: T-N