Obituary of Carolyne Gillis

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Carolyne (Carol) Gillis on June 22, 2024, age 70,  loving wife to James Gillis and loving mother to Sheri Lebel-Marsden. Carol was born on Sept 21, 1953 in Ste Rose Du Lac, Manitoba to Lillian and Bert Cassidy.

She is survived by her husband, James Gillis, daughter and son in-law, Sheri and Don Marsden, sister and husband, Margaret and Mark Broesky, sister and husband, Dorothy and Merle Bass, brother Dale Cassidy and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her mother and father, Lillian and Bert Cassidy and brother, Larry Cassidy.

She was always an entrepreneurial spirit, starting various small successful endeavors throughout her life. She was never afraid to try new things, learn everything she could about it, see where it went and give it her all. Everything she tried, she was fully committed to, she was a great saleswomen because she was dedicated and believed in what she did. For the last 21 years, right up until she passed, she ran a successful professional photography business that she started from ground up. She researched and learned everything about it, photography, lighting, Photoshop, websites, marketing, every aspect. Together with her husband James, she captured families and couples once in a life time moments. Photography was her passion and she loved what she did. She was always looking for new unique places and new ideas for her clients. She made it fun and stress free. It was important to her to capture images that touched hearts and created lasting memories and family heirlooms that would be cherished forever.  She made lasting friendships and families returned to have her capture their many life milestones, starting from their engagement, to their wedding and their children. All you have to do is look at the many wonderful reviews to see how much she and her husband cared about the many lives and special moments they captured.

She always liked to dress in style no matter where she went, from her clothes, her jewelry, nails and shoes (many shoes for any occasion). She loved glamour and of course some bling.

She was very creative and a DIYer, she dabbled in many hobbies throughout the years from making wedding bouquets to leather jackets.

She loved to laugh and we loved to hear it. Her outgoing, friendly personality left a mark on the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was outspoken when needed, had no fear in being different from the crowd and defending those she loved. She found great joy in being around her family and those she loved and cared about. She was always there when her family needed her.

She loved driving down country roads with her husband and finding new places to explore. She loved listening to the birds in her beautiful flower gardens, swinging in her swing, breeze in her hair, spending time with her husband, her cat Coco and family and friends that came to visit.

She loved spending time with her daughter and son in-law and furry grandchildren. She would always send her daughter a text every morning and every night to let her know how much she loved her. She was always there to listen, provide advice, encouragement and support when her daughter needed her most.

She was full of strength, spunk, determination and joyful life, sprinkled with a little bit of stubbornness. She loved her family and would do anything for them. She gave the greatest big hug, you felt so much love in that hug, the feeling lasted for days.   

She will be greatly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her laughter, her love of life, and her ability to make everyone feel cherished will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Her memory will be treasured forever, as we hold her close in our hearts and remember the light and joy she brought into our world.

A private family celebration of life will be determined at a later date. For those who wish to honor her life, you are invited to hang a bird feeder, or plant flowers at your home, in her memory and for her love of her flower garden and the birds that came through. Friends and family are also encouraged to leave remembrances on the funeral website to share their stories and memories of Carol.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to your charity of choice, in her honor.