Mary Ellen Gillis, age 97, of Griffith, passed away peacefully Monday, November 23, 2015 after a long and wonderful life.

Spoiled as their only daughter, Mary was born to Patrick and Mary Ellen Griffin of  Medford, MA. on August 3, 1918, where she joined three brothers.  She  graduated from Medford High School in 1936, took business courses and worked at the Medford Savings and Loan.  She married the love of her life, Francis D. Gillis, in 1943, three weeks before he left for service in WWII.  She and her husband raised three daughters and a son in Griffith.

She is survived by her son Robert of New York City; daughters Ellen Moore of Lansing, IL. Nancy (Robert) Hastings of Highland, IN  and Jeanne (Daniel) Marren of Weston, CT

Grandchildren John (Sanida) Bratt of Chicago, IL and Michael Bratt of Indianapolis, IN; four  great grandsons; and dear caregiver Tina Silmon.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Francis; and her brothers Gerald, Francis and Joseph.

Mary Ellen was a long-time Griffith resident and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was a caring mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Inurnment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, located at 525 N. Broad Street, Griffith with Father Theodore Mens celebrating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Mary's name to either the Hospice of the Calumet area or the Humane Society of the Calumet area.

For more information, please call White Funeral Home, at 219-924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com .