Christine Marie Gillis Schepps, 63, was born on 11/23/1957 in Summit, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Fitzgerald) Gillis. Chris passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 20, 2020.
Chris was the greatest mother in the world – she loved her family fiercely, especially her children. There was nothing she would not do for them. She was their biggest supporter, problem-solver, and source of comfort and strength.
Chris started her professional career doing inside sales for Westvaco Envelope in an extremely male-dominated world; her success made her a female pioneer in the industry. Later, she became a real estate agent like her mother, Mary Gillis. Chris worked for Keller Williams in Longmeadow; she cared deeply for the real estate community, her clients and associates alike.
Chris lived big – big hugs, big laughs, big fun, and the biggest personality. She had a zest for life. Her infectious joy and sense of humor uplifted all those she met. She loved simple moments spent with loved ones. She found joy in reading a good book and in sharing a meal with a friend. She loved the beach. She loved food and sports.
But most of all, Chris loved people. Chris was passionate about helping others and did so at every opportunity. She seemed to make a new best friend everywhere she went. Chris knew how to connect with people, always making them feel important and letting them know that she cared about them.
Chris will be dearly missed by her husband Israel, daughter Liza of Boston, son Max of Enfield, stepdaughter Hillary and her husband Roberto Roselli of Italy, and brothers, Tim Gillis and wife Catherine of Florence, Steve Gillis of Ludlow, and Peter Gillis and wife Mimi of Carnation, Washington. The Schepps and Gillis families are blessed to have an abundance of warm, loving memories of Chris. Chris also leaves behind a multitude of friends.
Due to the current pandemic, Chris’ funeral services were private. A celebration of her life will be held at a safer time.
In virtue of Christine’s love of the ocean, memorial contributions may be made to Make A Change World, an environmental organization founded by a friend of Max: https://makeachange.world/donate
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.