Obituary of **Updated** Mary Margaret Gillen

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary (McBriarty) Gillen, wife of the late Frank Gillen, announces her peaceful passing which occurred on Dec 31 2021 at the Shannex Tucker Hall. Born in Saint John, June 13, 1928, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ena (Higgins) McBriarty and a lifelong resident of the North End.

Mary is survived by four sons, Michael (Lily) of Ottawa ON, Paul of Safety Harbor Fl, John (Yvette), of Ottawa ON, Andrew (Marsanne) of Whistler, BC, one daughter, Louise (Kevin) of Saint John and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers Jack McBriarty (the late Madelyn) and Denis McBriarty (the late Michele), and her beloved sister Joan (Ralph Howlett).

After attending St. Peter’s Girls School and St. Vincent’s High School, Mary graduated from Provincial Teaching School in Fredericton in 1946. She taught at MacDonald Consolidated School in Kingston, N.B., St. Peter’s Boys School and for many years did supply teaching in most of the city schools. As Mom would say, there weren’t many mornings that the phone didn’t ring with a request for her to supply teach.

Mary was a member of the St. Vincent’s Alumnae, the Millidgeville Seniors Club and the long running Rummoli ‘Stork Club’ which started with a group of a dozen close friends when they were starting their families…someone was always having a baby. Mary looked forward to her summers in Chapel Grove at the summer home she and Frank built in 1960. They spent every summer there with their children and enjoyed many happy years at the beach, community gatherings and those famous late night sing songs with the neighbors. Mary and Frank also enjoyed many winter getaways in Florida where they spent time with family and friends. 

Mary was always a happy person who found great joy in taking part in social gatherings and events. She loved playing cards, enjoyed bingo, could usually be found working on her crossword puzzles and always kept up on current events. Mary smiled often, had a positive outlook on life, and loved meeting people and spending time with her family and friends. 

Special thanks to the Staff of the Shannex Parkland in Millidgeville, Saint John for the great care and friendship you gave to Mary over the last few years.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on Thursday, July 14th at 12:10 p.m. Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Chapel Grove in Summerville, New Brunswick. For those who wish, remembrances can be made to Bobby’s Hospice and online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.