Ethel Louise (Faulkner) Gillis, 90, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 20, 1936, in Watertown, Massachusetts, Ethel was the daughter of James Faulkner and Mary Louise (Baldwin) Faulkner, who came to Massachusetts from Newfoundland, Canada. She was always proud of her Newfoundland heritage and the family roots that were such an important part of her life. She was the youngest of five children and was predeceased by her three brothers and one sister.

Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Harry Gordon Gillis, Jr., who passed away in 2011. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Ethel cherished her family above all else and especially enjoyed time spent together at the lake.

Faith and service to others were central to Ethel’s life. A longtime active member of West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, she devoted her time to visiting widows and homebound members who could no longer attend church services. She was also an active member of Naples United Church of Christ in Florida and served on the Board of Trustees of the Union Church of Meredith Neck in New Hampshire.

Ethel enjoyed a long career as an executive assistant at the Haartz Corporation in Acton, Massachusetts, where she developed many cherished, lifelong friendships. She was also an active member of her communities in Chelmsford, Massachusetts; Meredith, New Hampshire; and Naples, Florida, including membership in the Meredith Garden Club.

Ethel is survived by her daughter, Janet Rivard (David) of Brunswick, Maine; her son, Jim Gillis of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania; and her four beloved grandchildren, Meredith and Caroline Rivard of Brunswick, Maine, Alexandra Gillis of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and Harrison Gillis of Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Ethel will be remembered for her devotion to family, her unwavering faith, her kindness toward others, and the lasting friendships she nurtured throughout her life.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Union Church of Meredith Neck in New Hampshire. A private family remembrance will also take place in Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ethel’s memory to the Union Church of Meredith Neck or the Lakes Region Conservation Trust , both in New Hampshire.