Auburn – Gert C. (Smith) Gillies, 59, died at home Monday, July 23, 2012, with her devoted husband at her side, after a battle with cancer.
She leaves her loving husband of 22 years, Bruce Gillies; two step-children, James and his wife- Tammie, and Suzanne Gillies, all of Auburn; and three grandchildren, Bethany Gillies of Brighton and Rachel and Adam Gillies of Auburn. She also leaves five siblings, Maryellen Smith, Judy Whittle and her husband Ron, Michael Smith and his wife Ellie, all of Worcester, Sara McManus and her husband Bill of Atkinson, NH, and Marty Smith and his wife Robin of Hudson, NH; an aunt, M. Barbara Smith of Worcester; and many nieces and nephews.
Gert was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Mary E. (Cummings) and Michael J. Smith, and grew up in Shrewsbury, graduating from Shrewsbury High School. She attended Assumption College in Worcester.
She worked most of her professional career in the Human Resources, for the last 10 years as the HR Manager for Carroll Enterprises, Inc. in Worcester. She previously worked for area companies, including UMass Memorial Health Care and the Paul Revere Insurance Group. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Auburn.
Gert enjoyed jogging and participating in area walking and running events. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and the vacations with her husband, particularly to the Florida beaches.
The family wishes to thank the team at Dana Farber for all their caring and support.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gert's family Thursday, July 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Britton Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 27, at 11 a.m., at North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Dr., Auburn. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 65 Central St., Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.
