Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Margot Gillis Obituary
She was born in Fitchburg, on July 14, 1936, a daughter of the late Ruth (Morley) Morin and was raised by her grandfather, Luke Morley. Margot graduated from St. Bernard's High School in 1954 and then received her bachelor's degree in Primary Education from Fitchburg State College in 1958.
She started her teaching career in 1958 as a first grade teacher in the Lunenburg school system. Shortly after that she and her husband moved to Lunenburg and she founded the Margot Morin Gillis Dance School, which she owned and operated from 1963 until 1986. Margot enjoyed working around her home; she had a passion for her gardens and loved to decorate during her most beloved season of Christmas.
She leaves her husband of 47 years, Donald F. Gillis of Lunenburg; a brother, Anton "Tony" Morin and his wife Lynn of Hubbardston, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 1:00 p.m. in the Lunenburg Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes, 763 Massachusetts Ave. Burial will be held privately in the North Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Center, 175 Nichols Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420 or to the Diversified VNA-Hospice, 25 Tucker Dr., Leominster, MA 01453.
www.masciarellifamily
funeralhomes.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Margot Gillis
Laura Norcia
September 6, 2008
Dear Don,
I was sorry to hear of Margot's passing, and wished so much that I could have been with you all for her service. She had such a huge impact on so many of our lives! What history and memories we all have of our dancing family. Margot was such an important part of our lives from such an early age! (4 yrs. old for me!). She taught us a love for dance, self discipline, respect, self confidence, compassion for others, and the sheer joy of doing what we loved so much...DANCE!
It is hard to put into words how much she influenced the person I grew to be. My love of dance, musical theatre and the performing arts is something that my husband and I share, and is something we share with our two children. My 12 yr. old daughter is herself, a beautiful modern dancer. It is something I've shared with her, and is a wonderful way for her to create and express herself. She becomes one with the dance. Even my son loves to groove to hip hop tunes, and other cool music! He's pretty awesome too!
One way Margot continues to live on in my life is through "The Nutcracker Suite". Not only did we perform it twice, but what a special treat it was to see the Boston Ballet perform it live! I still get goosebumps when I hear the music. Long after I left Lunenburg, many friends and I (including Petra), would go see it every year. Now that I have children, it is a tradition for us as well.
I even have a painting she gave me as a gift, hanging on one of the walls in our home...a pixie-like dancer, painted brightly on wood. My children love seeing pictures and my old costumes! Best of all, they love it when I break into dance when I hear a familiar piece, or just for the fun of it! Amazing that I still know bits and pieces of so many dances, though the body is slowing down! My husband even has a picture in his office of me, barefoot, in a light blue tutu, from my very first pageant!
Don, I hope that it comforts you in some way to know that Margot lives on through so many of us, and will continue to live through generations of dancers to come. What a gift she was, and is to us all...
Love,
Laura (LaFleur) Norcia
Gales Ferry, CT
Petra Sacksen
September 6, 2008
Dear Don!
A beautiful Spirit will always live!! Let us celebrate the life of Margot!!! Not only did she inspire the love of classical dance and music, but also she was my muse to reach new heights in my physical and intellectual abilities. There will never be a Debussey moment that will not remind me of Margot!!! I would never survived the first 25 years of my life without Margot! She was my best friend, my second mother, my total inspiration!!!
Denise (Fuller) Downes
August 30, 2008
Dear Mr. Gillis,
I am so sorry for your loss! Mrs. Gillis was THE BEST! I LOVED her ballet classes at the United Parish. She was a part of my childhood I will never forget! To her, I tribute my love of dance! The pageants, the tutus, the sequins....I always think of her...and her hair in a bun!
Sincerely,
Denise (Fuller) Downes
Jennifer (Hoffman) Bishop
August 24, 2008
I am so saddened to hear that Mrs. Gillis has passed. She was my ballet teacher from the time I was a child until she decided to close her school. She was a great inspiration and a very lovable lady, she treated each one of us like her own. She will be missed greatly. I hadn't seen her in years, but have told my 4 kids about her, especially my 3 girls.
Mr. Gillis, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Senja Morgan
August 22, 2008
Don- your wife touched so many lives in the greater Lunenburg community, as I am sure you know! May she know peace and rest now, and may you have comfort in knowing her rest in the time ahead, and how much she gave to everyone in the time past. I'm sorry for your loss, but I was grateful that I happened to be in town during that week so I could be present at her memorial.
I was so glad my Mom gave me the gift of dance classes through all my childhood years growing up. I remember bringing my $5 bill everyweek to pay for my class, and seeing the huge stack of 5-ers on the table next to the record player in the United Parish basement. It looked like a big pile-o-money back then!
I remember helping to paint the room years later when it became a permament home for her dance studio. It seemed funny to me, since I had my first grade class in that room in the 60's.
As I mentioned at the memorial service last week, Margot's dance classes had a huge influence in my life; creating a love for the arts which later translated into my becoming a musician. Her dance classroom was my first music appreciation class (not to mention dance appreciation!). I also knew without a doubt how much Margot cared for me personally, and for all the girls in class. That gave me so much confidence. (I wonder, though, about why she cast me as an absent-minded school girl in a pageant one year....!)
My two young daughters now take dance classes, and I think of Margot every year at their recitals. The happy memories of my time in Margot's creative recitals come flooding back in my mind each time I see my girls dance!
Margot honored a young girl, Katy Krieger in her untimely death a number of years ago. I was able to be a part of that honor as one of Margot's "cup girls;" something I cherish deeply and will never forget.
I honor Margot now in my memory as I pass on her love for music, dance and the arts to my children and music students in the years ahead.
Remembering her with grace,
Jane Senja (Ollikkala) Morgan
Lunenburg HS Class of 1979
Michael & Linda Mulligan
August 18, 2008
We are sorry to hear Margot has passed on. We just heard the news. Margot was a very dear and close friend to our mother, Peggy Mulligan. The Mulligan family will always be grateful to her for all her support during Peggys' long illness. Anyone who has ever seen Margot's Christmas village that she started working on every November without fail was awe-struck. Margot enjoyed her life - she was fun to have around. May she rest in peace.
The Mulligan Family:
Michael, Linda, Eric, and Colleen
Debbie (Fortune) Aubin
August 11, 2008
My first grade teacher...my first impression of how "school" was supposed to be...especially in the days when every child did not experience kindergarden. Warm, caring, loving to a shy, scared little girl. A patient ballet teacher to a girl without an ounce of grace..who still felt like a beautiful poppy dancing in the field surrounding the Emerald City in the "Wizard of Oz"....thanks to Mrs. Gillis. I am well over 50 now and the memory still makes me smile and feel very grateful to have had her in my life.
Melissa & Jim Cobb
August 11, 2008
Margo will always have a place in my heart not only for being a wonderful dance teacher for both myself and daughters but a friend who always knew the right thing to say. A caring, loving, fun, and unforgettable personality. I know I am not alone in missing her. All sympathy to you, Don, and your family. Melissa Drumm Cobb
Kris Boulay Barrett
August 11, 2008
Dear Mr. Gillis,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Gillis' passing. I have shared so many stories about Margot with my daughter (who is now a dancer). I enjoyed every minute of those years taking ballet lessons. Mrs. Gillis will always be a special part of my school years. I learned so much from your wife and I will always tressure those times.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Kris Boulay
Laura Williams
August 8, 2008
Don, our deepest sympathies in your loss. Margot was a very special lady and we'll miss her stories. "Cherish every memory".
Laura Williams, Bill Gustus
David Queen
August 7, 2008
Don,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your wife Margot. May you find peace in this time of sorrow.
David and Annette Queen
Doris Cormier
August 7, 2008
Don-I am so sorry to hear of Margot's passing. We shared a lot of special memories when I played piano for her classes in the early years. Our daughter enjoyed her classes with her just before her retirement. Margot will always hold a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies go out to you.
Doris Geigner Cormier
Stacey Gaudreau
August 7, 2008
Mr. Gillis - It is truly a shock to hear about Mrs. Gillis passing. I was one of many of Mrs. Gillis's ballet students. There is not a Christmas that goes by that when I hear the Nut Cracker, I think of her. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Mrs. Gillis was one very special lady.
LINDA DOLAN
August 7, 2008
Don,
I am so sorry to hear of Margot's passing. I will always remember our trips to Jamaica, sitting by the pool,
playing cricket in the villa kitchen,
laughing with Lenteen and so many other memories.
I will also remember working backstage at the many pageants and watching the students grow up over the years and of course, visiting your house to see the addtions to the snow village.
Margot was truly a very special lady and I will miss her.
Joe & Eleanor Cormier
August 7, 2008
Don:
We are very sorry to read of the loss
of Margot. We haven't seen you for
a very long time,but still remember.
With all our best wishes,
Judith Rigopoulos
August 7, 2008
Don,
Our deepest sympathy to you at this time of loss.
Judi Rigopoulos and Jim Hannigan
Mary-Patricia Carey
August 7, 2008
Dear Donnie,
I am very sorry for your loss, and it is unfortunate that Margot and I
lost communication over the years.
However, I will always be grateful for the love of the dance she inspired
in me.
Love,
Mary-Pat Carey
Chris and Pam Munyon
August 7, 2008
Don, We share in your loss, Margot was a beautiful, caring and giving woman. She will be greatly missed.
All our love and prayers to you.
Matthew L'Ecuyer
August 7, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a great woman. I bartend at the Bootlegger, and Margot was always a welcomed face. May peace be with the family at this difficult time.
Torri, Tom & Jack Rodgers Mason
August 7, 2008
It is with great sorrow that I write this. Margot ment the world to me & our family. I will cherish these memories and hold her in my heart for a lifetime. She taught me many lessons, not only ballet. Margot brought a smile to my face just hearing her name. My son Jack will grow up remembering the fun he had with Margot and Donnie and now knowing that it was really Margot who made the best Taco's in the world. We will remember Margot's village and her & Donnies beautiful home. I will miss her story telling for she was one of the best.
Margot thank you for being an important part of my life and thank you for remaining in my life after Ballet. Thank you for your friendship and for just being you!
Donnie, Thank you also for your friendship and always being there. Now is our time to take care of you.
With Love,
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Margot Gillis's name
Memorial Events
for Margot Gillis
Funeral services provided by:
Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home - Lunenburg763 Mass. Ave., Lunenburg, MA 01462
How to support Margot's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Margot Gillis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
