THORBURN – Carol Rose (Brightman) Gillis, 60, Thorburn, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII surrounded by her family. Born in New Glasgow on February 9, 1951, she was the daughter of Annie Rosella “Rose” (O’Connor) Brightman of Fraser’s Mountain and the late Donald Fraser Brightman. She was formerly employed as a realtor, a director with Melaleuca and was an active member of the East Pictou Silver Blades Figure Skating Club. Carol was an incredibly loving and giving mother and grandmother and a devoted wife. She loved good food, great friends and a fine wine. She loved to laugh and was the first one on the dance floor. She equally loved to travel abroad with family and friends as well as quiet weekends at the camp. Her grandchildren were the light of her life; playing cards, snuggling on the couch or keeping in touch on Facebook. In addition to raising her own children she welcomed many foster children in their home who considered her a second mother. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and she will be kept and held in our hearts forever. Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Raymond; children, George (Jennifer) Gillis, Kenzieville; Tara Gillis (Joseph Poirier), Dartmouth; Chad Gillis, Dartmouth; sister Darlene (Barry) MacDougall, New Glasgow; brothers Wayne (Elva) Brightman, Guysborough; Reg (Deborah) Brightman, Little Harbour; and many grandchildren. Besides her father, she was predeceased by her son, Derrick Brightman and sister, Connie (Brightman) Frazee. The family will receive visitors 7-9 p.m. Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in Christian Fellowship Church with Rev. Bruce Morrison officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery. Donations may be made in Carol’s memory to the Salvation Army or a charity of choice.