With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Doris Gillis on November 13, 2025, at the age of 77.
Doris grew up in Glencoe, Ontario, and lived in Antigonish for the past 38 years. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Hugh; their daughter, Marianne (Conal); and son, Neil; grandchildren, Freya and Arthur; brother, Don (Maria); and loving cousins and nieces.
She is predeceased by her parents, Duncan and Redfern (Simpson) Gould; her stepmother, Elizabeth (Copeland) Gould; and stepsister, Barb.
Doris was an authority on food literacy, maternal & child nutrition, and food security across the life course. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Guelph, a master’s degree from St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), and a PhD from the University of Nottingham. She taught in the Department of Human Nutrition at StFX from 1998 until retirement in 2016, and she was department chair for the last few of these years. She also taught part time at other Canadian universities and enjoyed sabbatical leave appointments at the universities of Victoria and Brisbane. She had a productive research career, which included national tri-agency research grants, provincial health and dietetic recognitions, numerous journal articles and invited presentations. Doris exemplified what she taught by bringing her knowledge and experience to communities, for example by helping start the first Kids First prenatal program in Antigonish. She was loved as a professor for her teaching, guidance, and encouragement, and for her genuine care for her students.
Alongside her many academic and professional accomplishments, among Doris’s most important roles were loving mother, Nana, and friend. She treasured time with family and uprooted herself several times to be near her cherished grandchildren. Doris created a welcoming space for close friends and newcomers alike. She was generous with her time, laughter, and hospitality. She enjoyed exploring new places and art. Until the very end, Doris expressed her deep gratitude for living a life full of rich experiences, her loving family and friends, and her compassionate caregivers. She embodied grace, kindness, connection, and courage, and we will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18th from 6 to 9 pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held in the StFX University Chapel on Wednesday, November 19th at 11am, followed by a reception at St. Ninian’s Place.
We’re thankful to everyone at the Palliative Care unit of St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, especially Dr. Emily Rice and Jami Campbell. The care and empathy Doris received in her last days were a great comfort to her and those who loved her.
In Memoriam, donations to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation appreciated.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com