BEDFORD/ANTIGONISH – Margaret Jessie (Blair) Gillis, 98, The Birches Nursing Home, Musquodoboit Harbour, formerly of Bedford and Antigonish passed away peacefully Saturday, October 9, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late Finlay Arthur and Catherine Ellen (MacLeod) Blair. Raised in Laggan, she was a member of the Barney’s River Presbyterian Church, Kenzieville. She resided for many years in Antigonish and was employed with St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish as a Dietary Assistant. In 2019, she moved to Bedford with her daughter-in-law, Doreen, to be close to her family. Margaret was a hard-working lady and a true friend. She leaves a rich legacy of humor, love, and devotion. For Margaret, the simplest pleasures brought great joy to her life. She was a great storyteller, loved a good game of cards, and sharing a laugh with family and friends. Margaret always showed courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Surviving are her daughter, Catherine (Clarence) Burgoyne, Port Dufferin; son, Alan Gillis (Rose Corkum), Bridgewater; daughter-in-law, Doreen Gillis, Bedford; son-in-law, John Littwiller, Mount Forest, Ont.; sister, Betty MacDougall, New Glasgow; grandchildren, Debbie Jewers, Ecum Secum; Randy Burgoyne, Ecum Secum; David Burgoyne, Port Dufferin; Lynne Gillis (Andy DeCoste), Bedford; 12 great-grandchildren; 10 great, great-grandchildren; cousins, Calvin (Mary) Fraser, Garden of Eden; Dot (Arnold) Chisholm, Linacy; many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John Robert Gillis; sons, Billy, Douglas and Arthur; granddaughter, Ellen LeBrun; sisters, Mary Greene and Jane Horton; brother, Duncan Greene. The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 13th in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 14th in the chapel with Rev. Glen Matheson officiating. Interment will be in Laggan Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. If desired, donations may be made in Margaret’s memory to Laggan Cemetery Fund. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Margaret Jessie Gillis, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.