Helen E. Gillis

Gillis, Helen E. (MacDonald) “Betty” of South Weymouth, died August 4, 2014.

Betty was born and raised in Gloucester, the granddaughter of a sea captain.  She later relocated and was educated in Jamaica Plain.  She met her husband of 55 years, Paul, after his arrival back home from service in WWII. Shortly after they met, they were married and started raising a family in Watertown. Betty and Paul eventually settled in South Weymouth, where they stayed for the next 50 years. Betty was very active at St. Francis Xavier Church as well helping to feed the homeless at the Long Island Shelter.  Betty was extraordinarily gifted in the kitchen and thoroughly loved the art of gastronomy and entertaining.  She was a voracious reader and eager to learn about every aspect of life. She will always be remembered as a kind, loving, generous and warm mother and grandmother.

Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul in 2007. Loving mother to Paul C. Gillis Jr. and his wife Lisa of Brockton.  Ann Marie Acker and her husband Victor of Duxbury. Cherished grandmother to Benjamin and Henry Acker and Samantha and Jessie Gillis. Adored sister to Malcolm Kent MacDonald and the late Doug and Scott MacDonald.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Braintree Friday August 8th at 11 AM. Burial in Lakeview Cemetery, South Weymouth.

Donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA chapter at 480 Pleasant St, Watertown, MA 02472.