Sandra Lee (Corbin) Gillis of Gloucester, formerly of Manchester by-the-Sea, passed away at Seacoast Nursing Home on June 8, 2024. Born in 1932 and raised in Lynn, Sandy was the daughter of the late Charles and Agatha (Kelly) Corbin. She was predeceased in 1994 by her beloved husband of 35 years, Raymond Gillis.
After graduating from Lynn English High School in 1950, Sandy attended the Sargent School of Boston University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1954. She then taught physical education at Emmanuel College for five years. During summers while working at Emmanuel, Sandy taught swimming at the Manchester Yacht Club, where she met Ray, who was teaching sailing. Following their marriage, they settled in Manchester and had two daughters. After her children started school, Sandy taught physical education in Manchester schools as a substitute and an instructor in an evening program for adults. Starting in 1964, Sandy ran a summer swimming program at a pool behind her home on Pine Street for eighteen years. Hundreds of local children learned to swim there. Sandy was an active communicant at Sacred Heart Church and served in several volunteer positions in the parish. She and Ray enjoyed sailing and they had an active social life with friends and relatives. All who knew Sandy appreciated her quick wit.
For the past few years, Sandy has resided at Putnam Farm in Danvers and Seacoast Nursing Home in Gloucester. She and her family have been grateful to the staff of both facilities for their kindness and loving care.
Sandy is survived by two daughters, Cathleen Gillis of Peabody and Kelly Ann Medina of Manchester by-the-Sea; one grandson, John Medina Jr. of Salem; and several cousins. Sandy also leaves her longtime friend Anne Halloran Mahoney. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister Cynthia and her aunt Esther McDonald.
A graveside service will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 128 Pine Street, Manchester by-the-Sea, on Tuesday, June 18th at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Visitation Parish, 64 School Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944, or Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com
