Helen Jean Gillis (Weatherston) – July 17, 1914 – February 5, 2018

In the early morning of February 5, just after the Scotties Curling Tournament of Hearts and the 2018 Super Bowl, heaven gained a huge sports fan.  Helen was born in Fergus, ON and was the youngest child of Mary (Mennie) and Robert J S Weatherston. In 1927, she moved from Hamilton to Moncton NB and graduated from Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1935. After working many years as a teacher at Moncton High and Bessborough Schools in Moncton, Helen retired and moved to Fredericton, NB.  During her very busy retirement, along with following almost every sport, Helen quilted, knitted, played bridge, crafted and created many mouthwatering dishes. In 2009, she moved to Woodstock to be closer to her family. Helen enjoyed nine happy years at Riverside Court Retirement Home where her extended family grew to include all of the other friendly residents, nurses and support staff. 

Just a few things we learned from our Nana, Helen Gillis:

-       Always look forward, never behind.

-      Have a project and complete it.

-       Be positive and thankful.

-       Do not hold grudges.

-       Have little scissors around to cut off the little strings that hang from clothes.

-       Find the joy in life, and live it.

-       Eat a chocolate a day.

-       A Kleenex up your sleeve can come in handy.

-       Your family is the most important thing you will ever have in life, near or far, cherish them!

Helen is survived by her daughter, Sue Hierlihy (Tom) Oakville ON, son John (Shari) Woodstock NB, daughter, Sally Caldwell (Ed) Calgary AB. Grand children, Cathy Carter (Todd) Oakville ON, Lynn Hierlihy, Oakville ON, John Hierlihy (Christin) Oakville ON, Debi O’Leary (Derrick) Woodstock NB, Tania Sharp (Glenn) Geelong Australia, and Jenni Gillis-Doyle (Rob) Fredericton NB, Jason Caldwell (Tara) Dallas TX, Mike Caldwell (Lisa) Calgary AB, Karen Smith (Mark) Rockland MD, as well as 16 great grandchildren, Matthew and Sarah Carter, Benjamin, David and Rachel Hamburg, Aiden and Charlotte Hierlihy, Cameron and Jessi O’Leary, Brunswick Sharp, Sarah and Alex Doyle, Mason and Makenna Caldwell, James and Abigail Smith, along with several nieces and nephews.

Helen had a sharp mind, a loving heart and a beautiful 103.5 year-old soul – thank you for everything you taught us. We know you will be watching the Olympics, every hockey game (especially your boy Sid), tennis match, curling event, golf tournament and, of course, the Blue Jays from the best seat in the house. Most of all, we know you will be watching over us. Truly a life well lived!

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bishop’s Funeral Home, Fredericton, NB. Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com