Gillis, Cheryl Margaret of Whycocomagh. It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Cheryl Margaret Gillis, 56, of Whycocomagh, Cape Breton, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, on Friday, December 7, 2018. She was surrounded by her large and loving family. Born in Baddeck, Cheryl was a daughter of Anna (Beeson) Gillis and the late Murdock "Muckie" Gillis. Fiercely determined, Cheryl was the longest surviving recipient of a trial heart valve replacement from the Mayo Clinic in MN, USA. While we would have gladly accepted more time together, we are grateful for the many memory filled years we had with her. Cheryl graduated from Whycocomagh Consolidated School in 1981and completed a Commercial Business Program at Mabou Consolidated in 1982. Cheryl then attended the University College of Cape Breton and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1986. After graduating, Cheryl had a variety of work experiences, and in 1996 she began her 21 years of employment with Canada Post. During her years at the Post Office, each Christmas Cheryl became Santa's most valuable elf, helping him to respond to the many letters that he received from children. With her sharp memory and wit, each carefully crafted letter was itself, a special gift. Cheryl was passionate about her family, in particular her nieces and nephews, for whom she was a "second Mom". She was proud of their accomplishments and loyally supported their dreams and adventures. Her love for her young grandnieces and grandnephews brought renewed joy and amusement to her life. Cheryl loved to travel to visit family and friends. She also cherished attending the many family gatherings that were held. Nothing brought out the competitive spirit in Cheryl more than a good card game and she was especially pleased if she won. With a steadfast commitment to her community's growth and development, Cheryl devoted countless hours to the Stewart United Church and UCW, The Brownies Program, the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department, Summer Festival Activities, Christmas in the Village, and Eastern Star. She was also a dedicated supporter of the IWK, continuously knitting finger puppets, hats, blankets and teddy bears for sick children. The expression "good things come in small packages" was proven true with Cheryl. Her own experiences, and the obstacles that she overcame, ignited her love and empathy for children, the elderly or anyone who was struggling. Cheryl is survived by her mother, Anna Gillis; brothers, Kevin (Sandra), Darrell (Irene), Craig (Terry), Barry (Chrissie); sisters, Jesslyn (Michael), Marion (Lorne). She is also survived by nieces, Tamzin (Ryan), Meghan (Jill) and Annie; nephews, Devon (Anna), Jason, Adam (Nicole), Jordan, Kinnon, Riley; grandnieces, Adelaide and Monroe; and grandnephews, Archer, Alec and William. Cheryl was predeceased by her father and numerous loving aunts and uncles. The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Hayami, Dr. Anderson and the special nurses on 6.4 CCU at the QEII Halifax Infirmary. Visitation will be held in the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh on Tuesday, December 11th from 2-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held from Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh on Wednesday, December 12th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Alicia Cox officiating. Burial to follow in Stewartdale Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in Cheryl's memory may be made to the Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Stewart United Church, or the charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com "God has blessed us by having you in our lives, Cheryl. You will not be forgotten" Visitation Information Visitation Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Visitation Time 2-9 p.m. Visitation Location Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh Service Information Service Date Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Service Time 11 a.m Service Location Stewart United Church, Whycocomagh Burial Information Burial Date Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Burial Time Following the funeral service Burial Location Stewartdale Cemetery