Hazel Gillis

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died October 9, 2019

Hazel Gillis, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully in the arms of her girls, Wednesday evening, October 9, 2019 at the Bishop Noa Home.

Our sweet Hazel, we will miss you.
We will keep you in our hearts forever.

Hazel Ruth Pepin, the daughter of Antoine and Eva (Fournier) Pepin, was born on April 25, 1926.

Losing her father at the very innocent age of 3 weeks, Hazel’s mother raised her, along with eight siblings.

After graduating from Gladstone High School in 1945, she earned her beauty license from The Wisconsin College of Cosmetology in Green Bay.

Hazel married her high school sweetheart, Tony Gillis, on September 6, 1947. They lovingly raised three daughters. Hazel embraced the role of being a full time homemaker and mother.

Hazel and Tony shared 37 wonderful years together before Tony passed away in 1984. Broken hearted, Hazel selflessly continued to care for her family. Hazel’s kitchen was the place to be! Her door was always open and the coffee pot always on. Everyone was greeted with a smile, hug and the aroma of fresh baked goods. The love and laughter that took place in her kitchen was treasured by all.

It was no secret that Hazel got a kick out of putting up a wager on almost anything that could profit her a win. She loved winning football pools (with a little help from her special friend Bobby), hosting Saturday night poker games, cribbage challenges, casino runs and scratch off tickets. You would recognize a win by her infectious squeal and giggle.

Hazel lived life with a smile on her face and love in her heart.

The family would like to thank every person who cared for Hazel while living at Bishop Noa Home.

Hazel is survived by:
3 Daughters: Jeannie Ryan of Gladstone, MI
Nancy (Tim) LeGault of Gladstone, MI
Cathy (Byron) Suster of DePere, WI
1 Brother: Robert “Chizel” (Elaine) Pepin of Escanaba, MI
6 Grandchildren: Jason (Angela) Micheau, Erin (Casey) Kopitzke, Maggie (Chris) Dame, Charlie McGinn, Catherine LeGault and Mary LeGault.
4 Great Grandchildren: Abigail Micheau and Jacob Micheau, Sam Kopitzke and Christina Dame.
And many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

In addition to her Parents, Hazel is preceded in death by:
Husband: Tony Gillis
Brothers: Raymond Pepin, Norman (Isabel) Pepin, Fritz (Thelma) Pepin and Donald (Charlotte) Erickson.
Sisters: Violet Hansen, Pearl (Ralph) Walsh and Jeannette Hickcox
Son In Law: Ivan Ryan
And Great GrandDaughter: Catherine Kopitzke

Family will receive friends Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 12:30 until 2:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Prayers of Transfer will conclude visiting hours at 2:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 3:00 PM at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Hazel’s grandchildren: Jason, Erin, Maggie, Charlie, Catherine and Mary will proudly serve as pallbearers. Hazel will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Gillis family.

15 Tributes for “Hazel Gillis

    Hazel may you be at peace. You are my Heavenly Mom now. I will always remember your love, laugh, and a fun time when I was a little girl. I will be there Tuesday to say my good byes as you now are with Our Heavenly Father and your Tony!

    So sorry to hear of Hazel’s passing. She was a fun lady. I remember her playing solitaire in her kitchen when she didn’t have anybody to play cards with. She loved her cards. You girls had a great mother who must have made growing up fun. I remember her being quite easy going. Please know that you are in our thought and prayer during this time of loss and your good memories will help your to get through.

    Hazel you were such a ray of sunshine and laughter in our lives. So many wonderful memories you gave me, my mom Terry, from the brandy filled chocolate covered cherries where the brandy never made its way to the cherries to excursions to the casino and camp Batawagama just to name a few. You are now with your sweetheart Tony and all your girlfriends who are waiting for you in heaven. I can almost feel the love and hear the laughter. Rest in peace my sweet friend.

    Hazel, dear dear lady. Always a smile on your face and that little giggle in your heart. I knew you through my parents and your lovely daughters. Cathy was special to our family and Nancy and Jeannie both spread your infectious laughter and fun. You did well with those girls and you can now share all your stories about them and your grands with Tony. God’s peace, Hazel. Say hi to Millie and George.

    When I worked at Bishop Noa, Hazel brought me so much joy and could always put a smile on my face! I always loved the conversation we would have when I would remind her that I was a “DeMay” and then she would talk about my relatives that she knew and old Gladstone memories. I have always carried her effortless joy and humor with me. Rest in peace!

    Jeannie, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Although we never knew her, we know she was a delightful woman; after all, she reared you.

    May Hazel rest in peace. thoughts and prayers for her and the whole family. Never met Hazel but she has a beautiful family was a beautiful lady.

    As A Senior Companion, I got to her during her last leg of her journey of life. Even at this time, I noticed the huge light that shone from her. She laughed and said what was on her mind. She was always fun to be around. A sweet lady, who will be missed dearly.

    At a time when words are hard to find, but love and care are deeply felt, my sympathy to Hazel’s wonderful family.
    Hazel was an exceptional person full of laughter and joy. May the peace of the Lord be with you, always.

    Hazel (grandma to me) was a super sweet lady and one of my all time favorite residents I’ve taken care of in my 18 years of nursing. I’m sorry to hear of her passing, y’all are in my thoughts and prayers!

    Thinking of each of you and sending hugs. Thoughts of Hazel and her family provide so many wonderful memories full of
    Love and laughter. Sorry I can not be there to honor your mom’s life and share your loss. She and your dear dad live on through each of you.

    Oh I’m so sorry. We loved Hazel as a neighbor for many years So happy and go lucky all the time Hugs n prayers to all. Just found this tonight or I would have come this afternoon. Tim n Sue Bernard

    Hazel; your and Tony’s (Anthony’s) lives were splendid, with the LOVE ❤️ and HAPPINESS you shared together and for your WONDERFUL family; Daughters, Jean Ann, Nancy and Cathy; and Grandchildren, Jason,Erin, Maggie, Charlie, Catherine and Mary; Great Grandchildren, Abigail Jean, Jacob Anthony, Sam, Christina and Mary; plus innumerable nieces, nephews and cousins. You and Tony (and I LOVED❤️YOU BOTH) have given the Gillis Family Lineage an immeasurable effect on the World’s future. Thank you and everyone in Our Family for the future we have ahead with Our Children, Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. The World will be considerably better with the effects of the efforts of Our Progeny. ❤️

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