Service Details
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017
VISITATION: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
PRAYER SERVICE: 11:30 a.m.
EVERTHING WILL TAKE PLACE AT DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME
PRIVATE INTERMENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT GRACELAND CEMETERY
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MOUNT PLEASANT – Maggie E. Gillis, 64, passed away at home with her family by her side, on Friday, September 1, 2017.
She was born in Racine on August 20, 1953, the daughter of the late Peno and Ellen (nee: Virgili) Bilello. She graduated from William H. Horlick High School in 1971. On June 27, 1981, she married Richard M. Gillis.
Maggie worked in the real estate business for over 14 years; first at Prudential Realty and later, Deskins Realty. Prior to working in real estate she managed Wicker Plus/Comforts of Home. In addition, Maggie created many stain glass windows over 28 years that still remain throughout Racine.
She was a longtime member of Christ Church United Methodist Church as well as the United Methodist Women. Maggie was happiest when in the company of her family; especially her precious granddaughters.
In addition to her husband, Rick Gillis of Mount Pleasant, she is survived by her son, Parker (Heather) Gillis; her granddaughters, Mya, Savanah and Gianna Gillis all of Racine; her sisters and brothers, Barb (Tom) Mulligan of Kenosha, Nick (Chris) Bilello of Union Grove, Mariann (Glenn) Gissing of Hartford; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barb (Bob) Yust, Janet (Rudy) Sanchez both of Racine, Pat (Jean) Gillis of Port Edwards, WI, Laura (Matt) Caretta of Racine, Danny (Lynn) Gillis of Beaver Dam, Lori Powell of Franksville; her mother-in-law, Sachiko Gillis of Sturtevant; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Maggie was also preceded in death by her father-in-law, Richard Gillis and brother-in-law, Ron Powell.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday, September 8, 2017 for a visitation and time to meet with her family from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. A prayer service remembering and celebrating Maggie’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. George Kafer officiating. A private interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to a charity of one’s choice.
The Gillis family extends a sincere thank you to the entire staff at Heartland Hospice for the professional and loving care that Maggie received in her last days.
Bird says
RiP my dear friend. We will meet again in Paradise. My deepest Sympathy to Rick, Parker & Family.
Mike, Ann, Caleb & Sophie Gillis says
Rick & family,
Sending our deepest sympathy, we are so sorry for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Trudy Schatzman says
I will miss you my forever friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to Rick , Parker and Heather,Barb, Mariann and your precious grandbabies. Plus all those you touched in so many ways.
You were one special lady and I love you. Til we meet again
Trud
Terry & Ray Smith says
God has gained a beautiful women this weekend a huge loss for those of us on earth still. You will be missed by so many Maggie ❤❤
Robert and Barbara (Gillis) Yust says
Our sorrow is unexplainable. Condolences and love to the entire families. We will miss our beloved sister-in-law; she was a light in our world, a warmth to our hearts.
Paulette an Gene Skalba says
So sorry to hear of Maggie’s passing. It was a pleasure being around her, always smiling, kind and gracious. You have our deepest sympathy.
Anonymous says
Our deepest sympathies to you…we are heartbroken. Maggie was one of those people who “sparkled.”
Anne and Jim Morelli
Melody and Keith Epple says
I’m so sorry for your Loss Rick and Family. Maggie was a beautiful person; gone too soon. My name is Melody , I am Sue Warners sister. Maggie came to my fathers funeral in May; god bless her heart. She is in gods arms now, no more pain.
Anne Yust says
Maggie was a great person in all parts of her life. She tried to live her life as Christian as she could. Joyce Meyer would be proud of her! I will miss you auntie. You have been there for me when I needed it and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend as well.
Jim Murphy says
We all will miss her wonderful smile! All of us from the old Racine Athletic Club and the new YMCA send our condolences…I will think about her always…
Anonymous says
Maggie your smile & energy lit up the room !♥️Such an amazing person!! Love u & your family ! All our love & prayers! Patti & Billy Drumm
Diane Kamm says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Maggie back when she sold Wicker baskets. She was a really sweet lady. God bless your family.
Tenise Joseph says
I’m so very sorry for your loss, losing those we love is always difficult. May your hearts find comfort in beautiful memories and the hope found in God’s word “…the hour is coming where all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out….john 5:28, 29
Angela Lashley Wisniewski says
In the light of your smile, sweet Jesus. In the light of your smile.
Angela Lashley BMI
Kathy Peterson says
My sympathy to Maggie’s whole extended family and friends. I know she will be greatly missed. She was such a happy multi-talented person. I will always cherish the beautiful stained glass she made for our wedding. Don was also 64 when he moved passed on. The cousins are together now in spirit with all the others who have moved on to be pain free and celebrate the hereafter. Hugs, Kathy Peterson
Mary Michel says
Sorry for your loss Rick and family! Maggie will truly be missed!
Ruth & Carl Kiefer says
Maggie was always a “Sweetheart” to us at all times. She was a good
friend and we always appreciated her as a member of Christ Church
United Methodist. We miss her as will all of our extended family members.
Carl Kiefer says
Maggie will be missed. In fact she is already. GOD Bless her family.
Carl Kiefer
Peter and the crew at victory lane says
Our deepest sympathy, So sorry for your loss. Maggie’s smile and good nature will be remembered. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cherie Lyford says
Rick and Parker,
I was saddened to read that Maggie had passed away. I remember her as a friendly, generous neighbor when we lived side-by-side on Monroe. My thoughts are with you and your
family.
Anonymous says
Always a pleasant encounter with Maggie. Condolences.
Tom Karkow
WRJN Radio News Director
Holly Barrett says
Your battle is over Maggie and what a courageous fight you fought. May you RIP and spread your wings and sore to new heights. My condolences to all family and friends of Maggie. She is an old soul, one that is wise, caring, tender and loving to all. She is am amazing woman which I’m honored to have meet and gotten to know her. I love you Maggie. May we meet again.
Sue Cook says
Maggie was an inspiration to me. I had an honor of working out with her at the Atheluc Club and at the Y. She will be forever a part of my memories of life. God Bless
Clara Minardi Pappenfuss says
Dear Rick, sending my deepest sympathy to you and Parker! Maggie was always one of my favorite fellow Italian. I wish I could be there to share in her celebration of life! You will be in my thoughts and prayers, RIP Sweet Maggie🙏
Barb L. says
Such a sad loss for all who knew and loved Maggie. She did not get a fair shake but showed much strength throughout a painful ordeal. Maggie and I once collaborated on a stained glass piece for my window and with her artistry and vision it turned out beautifully! That is how her life was and how she will be remembered, with beauty and grace. My sympathy to her sister – my good friend Barb – and all of her family.
Don and Barbara Olley says
We are so sorry to hear about Maggie. You and your son are in our prays and thoughts. Don and Barbara Olley
Pat Daniels (Shimkus) says
Rick and family: I’m sorry for your loss.
Jason Gillis says
What a sad way to see Aunt Mag go… I will miss her, but am especially sorry for your loss, Uncle Rick & Parker.
My deepest sympathies and heart felt prayers go with us all: May she rest in God’s Peace, and remind us all of the precious gift of life and breath that we still have. Amen.
Holly Kangas says
I met Maggie through real estate and eventually she became my customer. Everyone at Landmark Title loved her smile and her spunk and we sure appreciated her knowledge and helpfulness to get the deals to closing. As she had 3 granddaughters and so do I, we often spent time comparing notes and laughing at how silly our girls could be. I will miss those conversations and take comfort knowing she is in the arms of our Lord, no longer in pain. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed by many.
Julie Thielen says
I worked at the tax office she and Rick went to and I’d known her for 21 years before I left last year. She was always the most positive, warm, dynamic person and I loved her radiant smile. It could light up the night sky, I tell you. I loved seeing her walk in the door, and I am dearly sorry she’s gone. My sincere condolences to all who knew and loved her. For that she was — utterly lovable.
Cindi (Wiesneth) Gerry and Nikki Flynn says
So sorry, lots of great memories