It is with heavy hearts that the family of Stella Gillis announce her peaceful passing which occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Beach Grove Home. Born in Glengarry, PE on January 30th, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Bennett and Inez (Butler) Howard. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Gerry Gillis, her daughter Kelly Gillis, and her siblings Audrey McKenna (Cyril), Leigh Howard, Desmond Howard (Nadine), Lorne Howard (June), Beverley Howard, Wayne Howard, Elaine Bulger and Marne Howard.

She is survived by her children Michael (Mary Anne) Gillis of Sherwood, Paul (Kim) Gillis of Dartmouth, Jim (Kristi) Gillis of Moncton, and Shannon (John) Atkins of Stratford; grandchildren Kelly (Fred) Gillis of Sherbrooke, Lindsay (Stephen) Ansley of Vancouver, and Matthew Gillis; Cameron Gillis of London, England, and Colin Gillis of Dartmouth; Emma and Maddison Gillis of Moncton; and Gerry and Sofia Atkins of Stratford; siblings Shirley O’Brien, Charlottetown, and Dale (Bonnie MacNeill) Howard, Glengarry; brothers-in-law Jimmy Dalton, Frank (Donna) Gillis and Chuck (Gayle) Gillis, as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Stella graduated from St. Dunstan’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962 where she met her husband Gerry in the Glee Club. Music came naturally to her and was a large part of her life as she played guitar and sang daily. She was a music leader at the Our Lady of Assumption parish for over 30 years, and she acted as the head of the Liturgical Committee for Prince Edward Island for a number of years. She was dedicated to learning all her life and was a passionate reader. 

She was most proud of her children, always instilling a deep understanding of the value of family and love despite many hardships. Stella’s strong presence will be missed by her children and grandchildren alike.

Resting at Belvedere Funeral Home, with visitation on Tuesday, August 27 from 4-7 p.m.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church on Wednesday, August 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Interment to follow in the RC Cemetery, Charlottetown. Donations in memory of Stella may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.