Evelyn A. Gillis, 75, of North Kingstown, died Monday, June 23, 2014, at the Greenwood Rehabilitation Center in Warwick, following an illness of several months. She was the mother of the late Lorena Main, who died in 1981. Born in Providence on Nov. 21, 1938, she was the daughter of late Francis J. Gillis, Jr. and the late Mary V. "Mamie" (Roach) Gillis.
 
Evelyn worked in real estate and computer programming for several years. From 1984-86, she worked as a victim's advocate for former Attorney General Arlene Violet, a job that involved preparing victims to testify at trial and speaking on their behalf. She worked with the Compassionate Friends support group for parents whose children died young. She was a graduate of St. Mary Academy Bay View. 

A woman of varied interests, Evelyn had a passion for her Irish roots, and studied Ireland's history and culture. One night she might attend a lecture on the Potato Famine, the next might see her cheering wildly at a Clancy Brothers concert.
 
In the 1990s, she spent years researching her family's connections to Ireland and parts of Scotland. She compiled her findings in bound volumes as presents for relatives. At about the same time, she began crafting Irish jewelry, which she sold at festivals from Newport to New Hampshire, picking up the nickname "Irish Evelyn."
 
Famous for throwing family dinner parties with caviar on the menu at her Cranston apartment, she was equally comfortable commandeering the Slip 'N Slide at a nephew's 35th birthday cookout. She was a voracious reader and listened to (and sometimes called) local talk shows. A lifelong Democrat, she spent her final years supporting party causes in North Kingstown, where she lived for about a decade.
 
She is survived by a sister, Martina A. Castanho of Providence; and a brother, Joseph C. Gillis of Narragansett, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Predeceasing her were brothers Francis J. Gillis III, James J. Gillis Sr., Edward D. Gillis and John F. Gillis. A sister, Mary V. Jorge, also predeceases her.
 
Her ashes will be placed with her daughter's in the family plot at St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. At her request, calling hours are omitted. Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 30004, Warwick, RI 02886.

Evelyn's Memorial Mass will be celebrated Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 8:30 am in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 179 Academy Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island to which Friends and Relatives are invited.

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J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
401-331-3900