Nancy Ann Gillis

Nancy A. Gillis passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 2, 2025, in San Clemente, California, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born on August 12, 1944, in Leominster, Massachusetts, to Louis and Lillian Goodheart.
Nancy grew up in Leominster alongside her older brother Ted. She later graduated from Fitchburg State University, where she met her husband, Frederick A. Gillis. The couple began their life together in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, where Nancy worked as an elementary school teacher and they welcomed their children, Matthew in 1967
and Amanda in 1971.
Shortly after Amanda's birth, the family relocated to Las Vegas to pursue new opportunities. Nancy's artistic talents flourished-she was passionate about painting, airbrushing, and stained glass design. She channeled this creativity into entrepreneurship by
opening The Airbrush Emporium and The Tigers Eye Boutique.
Her dedication extended beyond business into civic engagement. In 1990, she was honored as Business Woman of the Year by the National Organization for Women. Later, she and Fred co-founded The Center for Independent Living, a shelter for homeless youth. For their efforts, they were jointly named Citizens of the Year for
Las Vegas upon their retirement in 2007.
In retirement, Nancy and Fred enjoyed traveling and spending time in Southern California with family and friends. Nancy especially loved golfing and visiting Laguna Beach for its vibrant arts scene.
In 2018, Nancy and Fred moved to San Clemente to be closer to their son Matt and his family as Nancy's health declined. She spent her final years lovingly cared for at Camino Hills under the attentive support of Vitas hospice.
Nancy is survived by her son Matt; her brother Ted and his wife Barbara Goodheart; and grandchildren Anna, Eli, and Lauren. She joins her beloved husband Fred, daughter Amanda, and parents Louis and Lillian in eternal rest.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.