Judith (Judy) Lynne Gillis


Judith (Judy) Lynne Gillis, age 78 of Tremont Street Lynn passed away unexpectedly in her home on
December 5 th , 2021. Born and raised in Lynn, Judy was the beloved daughter of the late Donald Stark
and Ethel (Mansfield) Stark. She was a graduate of English High School class of 1960. A lifelong resident
of Lynn, she grew up and spent many of her adult years on Locust Street. She worked as a Pharmacy
Assistant at Berridge Pharmacy on Chestnut Street for several years. She left Lynn briefly in 1978 for
New Hampshire as partner in the Remmick Propane gas business in Tamworth. In 1982 Judy returned to
Lynn where she joined her sister Carole Bannister, selling craft supplies and holding craft classes out of
Carole’s basement on Locust Street. Not long after, Judy and Carole opened “The Craft Market” on
Broad Street in Lynn. Eventually moving the business to Union Street in Lynn, The Craft Market became
the premier destination for craft supplies and classes on the North Shore. It was during her time
managing The Craft Market, Judy realized her talent and passion for floral design. This passion led her
to roles as the lead floral designer at several Boston and north shore establishments, including several
beloved years with Peter Barter Florist on Pickering Wharf in Salem. Eventually landing as the lead
designer at Michaels crafts store where she was eventually forced to retire due to heath reasons. It was
at this stage in her life she was fortunate to meet her soulmate and the love of her life, the late Vincent
Termini also of Lynn. Judy and Vincent were “joined at the hip” and could often be seen strolling around
Preston Beach Bluff in Swampscott.

Judy was beloved by many and was always remembered for her love of life and love of a good laugh.
She was a very caring and giving person who always put others before herself. She assisted her partner
Vincent as well as many of her family members through end-of-life care. In retirement her passion for
floral design was ever present. She was known for making the most amazing floral displays from just
about anything available to her. Judy loved to spend time on her balcony overlooking Lynn and Nahant
beaches and the Boston skyline. Never taking her view for granted, she would spend hours looking out
at the ocean watching ships and airplanes going in and out of Boston from her balcony “arboretum”.

Judy is survived by her son Bill Gillis and daughter in-law Marie Galvin of Boston, sister Carole Bannister
of Lynn, nephew Don Bannister and his wife Cherise of Largo, FL and great-nephew Frank Bannister of
Lynn.

A memorial service in her honor will be held Wednesday December 15 th , 3pm at First Church, 40
Monument Avenue Swampscott, MA 01907. Donations in her memory can also be made to Care
Dimensions 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102 Danvers, MA 01923; CareDimensions.org

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13 Condolences

  1. Jeffrey Osborne on December 9, 2021 at 9:55 pm

    Thinking of you and Marie – lots of love to you both! ❤️



  2. Jeffrey Osborne on December 9, 2021 at 9:56 pm

    Thinking of you and Marie – lots of love to you both during this difficult time ❤️



  3. Michael Bontaites on December 9, 2021 at 10:21 pm

    I’m crying Brother she was a Big part of my life . She was all that was well said and more. You have my deepest sympathy! I Love You Brother



  4. Margaret,Billy and the Galvin family on December 9, 2021 at 10:55 pm

    Condolences from us all here Bill and Marie, Carol and family wishing you strength at this very sad time. Eternal rest to Judy



  5. Diana (2e) and Billy on December 9, 2021 at 11:12 pm

    We were saddened to hear the news from Bonny that Judy passed. So many fun memories and laughter. We are thinking of you Billy…cherish the memories ❤



  6. Thomas Persenaire on December 10, 2021 at 9:49 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. We especially pray fro our friend and neighbor Carole Bannister. May His Holy Spirit comfort you all!



  7. Joanne Jonah Domeniconi on December 10, 2021 at 12:24 pm

    I remember Judy’s smile, and kindness. We did many shifts together at Berridge Pharmacy. She was a special person, always working diligently and with the best energy to take care of customers. Sending my sicerest sympathy to Billy, Carol and the rest of the family. Maybe God Bless her.



  8. Beverly Moustakis on December 10, 2021 at 1:09 pm

    I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful
    Lady a few years ago at a Hospice walk
    She was absolutely a delight and I knew what a super lady she was
    Fly with the angels Judy and show God how
    Talented you are. You had such a great takent
    We will miss you and I will always remember
    How kind you were
    God bless you



  9. Marie Niall Leon Abi & Ava on December 10, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    Sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mum Bill & your mother-in-law Marie.

    Condolences also to Judy’s family. Sending love & prayers from Ballina ❤️



  10. Jacki Kiddy on December 10, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    Sending condolences to you Bill and Marie, Carole, Don and Cherise and Frank on the loss of your beloved mother, sister, and aunt who was such an important part of your life. I know she will be also missed by her many relatives and friends who loved her. I got to meet and know Judy in these last several years, appreciating her as an evolved soul who loved life, family, humanity, and the beauty of this world. She enjoyed and I think cherished the changes that each day presented with sunsets, leaves changing, her plants blooming, the first snow or the birds on her balcony. She loved them all! Dedicated to helping everyone, I saw that she also had the spirit of a warrior, remaining strong during times of the challenges that she faced. I admired her creativity, her passion to seek, to learn and to share knowledge and wisdom, but also share a good joke or moment of fun too. I am glad I met her and got to spend great times with her. I remember that she loved the Beatles song and phrase…”Love is all you need”. I will think of her with love! And her memory will remain in my heart always. May she rest in peace.



  11. Jill Nash on December 11, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    Our sincere condolences to you and your family Carole. What a wonderful picture of Judy. It shows how full of life she was. She will be greatly missed.
    Jill, Paul, Rosemary and Lew



  12. Sofiya Golyak on December 13, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    Sincerest condolences on the loss of your mom Bill



  13. Heidi Sheehan on December 15, 2021 at 9:31 pm

    Bill and Marie, you have my deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. I hope happy memories soon outweigh this unexpected grief. All the best, Heidi



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