Jacqueline Gillis memorial set

Elia Powers

Jacqueline “Jackie” Gillis dedicated her career to Costa Mesa

business and real estate, and her colleagues recognized the effort.

Gillis’ crowning achievement came in 1994, when she was named

Woman of the Year by the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

A 57-year Costa Mesa resident, Gillis died June 27 at Danish Care

Nursing Home in Atascadero of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

She was 82.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew’s

Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.

Born in New Orleans, Gillis spent most of her life in Southern

California, where she lived with her husband, John Gillis.

She was a member of the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley Board

of Realtors, as well as the Newport-Mesa Assn. of Realtors.

In 1981, she formed her own business -- Jackie Gillis, Realtor.

Nine years later, Gillis was awarded the Realtor of the Year by the

Newport-Mesa Assn. of Realtors.

When there were burglaries in her Costa Mesa neighborhood, Gillis

set up crime-watch programs that helped catch potential burglars.

“She was a very vivacious, outgoing type of person,” said Jack

Gillis, Jackie’s son. “She was into helping people in the area where

she lived. Everyone said she really put herself out there.”

Gillis was involved in the community, serving on the boards of the

Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Costa Mesa Historical Society and

Citizens for a Better Costa Mesa, among others.

Jack Gillis said his mother was “very proud of any achievements,”

particularly being named Woman of the Year for her work to help the

business community.

In her spare time, Gillis played tennis, golf and skied.

She is survived by her sons, Jack Gillis and Tim Gillis; her

sisters, Jeane Scotten and Mary Krentzline; and numerous nieces and

nephews.