Obituary of Teresa Ann Gillam

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Teresa Ann Gillam (McNamara), 63, of Westmount, Nova Scotia, who passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024, at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, NS. Born on June 5, 1961, in North Sydney, NS, Teresa was the beloved daughter of Gerard and Alice (Riggs) McNamara. She earned an Honors degree in Early Childhood Education from Mount Saint Vincent University and dedicated much of her life to shaping young minds. Teresa worked for many years at Tiny Town Daycare, where her dedication and leadership led her to become its Director, a position she held with great pride and passion. Teresa’s life was marked by her deep love for her family, her incredible sense of humor, and her unwavering commitment to Early Childhood Education. She firmly believed in the importance of early interventions for children, and her work touched countless lives. Known for her storytelling, Teresa’s animated voices and contagious laughter brought joy to all who knew her. Her presence had a way of making everyone around her feel at ease. In her free time, Teresa enjoyed playing darts, spending time with friends and family at Wes’s, and relishing peaceful moments in Ingonish with her loved ones. Teresa leaves behind her loving husband, Terry, and their cherished son, Jeremy, both of Westmount, and her beloved fur babies, Bonnie and Clyde. She is also survived by her parents; Gerard and Alice (Riggs) McNamara; her siblings, Steven (Kelly) of Kamloops, BC, Robert (Laura) of Moncton, NB, Ed (Colette) of Dartmouth, NS, and Alyson of Asheboro, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Claire (Gillam) and Danny Detheridge, Lisa (Gilliam) and Kiley Sampson and Billy Gillam. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Mary and Jim Riggs, and Alfreda and Daniel McNamara, all of North Sydney; mother and father-in-law, Alexina (MacNamara) and William Gillam. Teresa will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, an exceptional mother, a caring sister, the best aunt, and a true friend to all who were fortunate to know her. Her love, warmth, and laughter will be deeply missed. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. All are welcome to attend a mass at Holy Rosary Parrish, 40 Rosary Drive, Westmount on Thursday, September 12, 2024 @11am. Refreshments to follow Mass at the Westside Legion Branch 126, 99 Midgeley Drive, Westmount. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Teresa’s memory to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.