Framingham-

Sara M. Gillis, 73, a longtime resident of Framingham, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Born and raised in Winchester, MA, she was the daughter of the late Harriet (Pilkington) Keenan and Herbert Wood. She was the beloved wife of 50 years to John Gillis of Framingham.

A graduate of Framingham State College and Northeastern University, Sara worked for many years as a nurse at Framingham Union Hospital. She was well traveled and enjoyed visiting many places across the globe. She loved the outdoors, especially time spent at the beach, hiking and long walks with her dog. Her most cherished life’s work was her role as a mother and grandmother.

Besides her husband, Sara is survived by three children, Michael Gillis and Alison MacNeil both of Hopedale and Kevin Gillis of Framingham. She also leaves behind her sister, Martha Trilling of Savannah, GA; three grandchildren, Carolina, Ryan, and Addison, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers, Harry and Larry Wood and her son-in-law, John Paul MacNeil.

Due to being friends of the Chesmore family, arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, with services being held at Boyle Bros. Funeral Home in Framingham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children, savethechildren.org or to MSPCA, mspca.org.