Sadly, on Sunday, January 21st Jackie passed away with family by her side.
Jackie will be greatly missed by her daughter Jen, her favourite son-in-law Mike, loving grandchildren, and her beloved Chancellor. She is predeceased by her husband Ian Gillis (September 2015). She will be missed by her brothers Bert (Donna) and Philip. Her older sister Barbara passed away 3 days earlier on January 18, 2024.

Jackie began working with Bell Canada on Bay Street after high school and for many years was a volunteer worker with the Girl Guides of Canada. Jackie’s love for working with children became apparent as she attended night classes to help her gain admission to Teachers College where she became a primary school teacher for the Scarborough Board of Education from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s. She predominately taught kindergarten throughout her career. Her classrooms were colorful and creative. Always ready with a song or poem, she would encourage the actions that went along with them.

Jackie was a very loving and affectionate person. She was a natural caregiver who took care of many at various times. Her many nieces, nephews, and friends will share in these memories.
Her love of reading, card games, word games, chocolate, and ice cream will be remembered with smiles! Her love of Christmas and all things about it, especially her Nutcracker collection was well known.
Answering the yearly call of migration, Jackie and Ian for many years would head to Myrtle Beach for a few weeks in the spring. Watching the sun rise over the ocean and playing mini golf.
Many fun family times were had.

A Joint Celebration of Life will be held for Jackie and Barbara on Saturday February 17, 2024.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Amica Little Lake for the care provided to Jackie. They are truly exceptional people.

The family appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that you make contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers and contribute by sharing memories of our beloved Jackie with each other.