Obituary of Earlene Donalda Gill

With the heaviest of hearts, the family of Earlene Donalda Gill announce her passing on Friday, March 31 at her home in Blackett’s Lake. Born in Sydney in 1946, she was the daughter of Earl and Agnes (Campbell) MacMullin. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Earlene shared a rich life with her husband Bill for 57 years. A graduate of Cape Breton University, Earlene worked with Cape Breton County Homemakers and found this to be very meaningful work. She and her husband Bill operated Bill Gill Electric for 37 years. Earlene was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish East Bay and over the years was actively involved as a Eucharistic Minister, a Youth Group leader, and she was a 50-year member of the CWL. Earlene had a tremendously full life, dedicating herself to a healthy lifestyle full of favourite recipes and pastimes. Earlene’s favourite place to be was in her kitchen, where she enjoyed cooking and baking for all. She treasured having friends in for tea. It’s hard to know who enjoyed those visits more, Earlene or the lucky people whom she hosted. She made many special friends as a long-time member of the Westmount Garden Club and loved going on garden tours as well as showing off her own beautiful garden. Perhaps her favourite hobby of all, she took up quilting in later years, and she took great pride in creating masterpieces for her children, grandchildren, and siblings which will be treasured for years to come. Next to her family and friends, Earlene loved everything Cape Breton – books, music, and history; she was a true Cape Bretoner! Earlene is survived by her loving husband Bill, her cherished children Rob (Traci LeBlanc), Tammie (Kevin Kicul), and Ron (Monica Dorneanu); grandchildren Claire, Nathan, Kyle, Sydnie, Megan, Raechel, Mckenna, Spencer, Seth, Brandon and Dylan; siblings Jackson (Susan), Marilyn, and Warren (Barb); special sister-in-law Marie Gill, and several nieces and nephews. Earlene had many, many dear friends, several whom have been friends for over 50 years. Earlene was truly blessed with a loving family and friends, and she would consider this to be her greatest accomplishment. Predeceased by her parents Agnes and Earl MacMullin, sister Sandra Long, brother Edward MacMullin, sister Thelma Nurse, and brother-in-law Tom Gill. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2-4pm and 7-9pm at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. Funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Parish East Bay on Thursday, April 6 at 10am, officiated by Father Anthony O’Connor, followed by a reception at the East Bay Fire Hall hosted by St. Mary’s Parish CWL. All are welcome. Interment will take place at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Palliative Care Team, Home Care, EHS, and a special thanks to Dr. Susan MacLeod. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com.