Elizabeth Marie (Campbell) Gillis

Mrs. Elizabeth Marie (Campbell) Gillis, 95, of Somerville MA died Sunday (April 20, 2025) at Countryside Healthcare of Milford after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of Orwell M. Gillis who died in 1976. She used her middle name, Marie, all of her life as it was the practice in Prince Edward Island, where her family is from.

Marie was born in Somerville MA, the daughter of the late James C. Campbell and the late Aldona W. (Gallant) Campbell. She attended Somerville public schools as a young girl and attended Somerville High School.

Marie was a traditional wife taking care of her children and the home for the first half of her life.  She had a part-time job at Hawks Cleaners, located in Somerville MA, where she was the head cashier and repaired clothing.

However, after he husband died she had to dig deep to find the strength to move forward and find herself. She took business administration classes at Bunker Hill Community College and got a full-time job at Tufts University as head cashier and dining room supervisor.

Marie had been a resident of Somerville for most of her life and had resided in Milford for only the last few years. She enjoyed doing all kinds of crafts, but especially enjoyed knitting & crocheting.

Her real joy was helping others. Over the years she had served as a member of the Somerville Planning Board; a member of the Somerville Board of Health; Treasurer of Ward & City Democratic Committees; President of the Somerville Ward 6 Civic Association; Delegate to the Democratic State Convention; Member of the Board of Directors of the Somerville Homeless Coalition; a knitting instructor for mothers of the Somerville PTA; Member of the Davis Square Task Force to design the MBTA Red Line; Treasurer of the West Somerville Pediatrics Clinic Board of Directors; Member of the Buena Vista site planning committee; Member of Fair Share, which worked to make the richest 1% pay into a fund for schools, transportation etc.; Member of the Somerville United Neighbors, a community action group.

Marie lived a full and active life. Even in her last few years living in a nursing facility she was organizing events and always knitting & crafting.  

Marie is survived by her 7 children: Jean DeLibero of Malden MA, Joan Welch of Burlington MA, Susan Gillis of Milford MA, Barbara DiGregorio and her husband Arthur of Upton MA, Paul Gillis of Cornish ME, MaryAnn St. Cyr and her husband Mark of Bolton MA and Timothy Gillis of Somerville MA; also many grandchildren & great grandchildren; her 2 siblings: Jean Foster of Burlington MA and Joan Brennick of Somerville MA; also several nieces & nephews.

Marie was the sister of the late James Campbell; the late Barbara R. Householder; the late June Foster; the late Linda Fhorl; the late David Campbell and the late Margaret Campbell.

In accordance with her wishes cremation will take place and a Private Committal Service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett MA at the convenience of the family. There are no funeral home visiting hours.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA.

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