Florence (Gillis) Tompkins, age 93, of Quincy, formerly of South Boston and hails from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, died peacefully, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Florence was born, raised and educated in Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada and graduated from Holy Family High School, Class of 1950. Florence immigrated to the United States in 1950 and has lived in Quincy for thirty years, previously living in South Boston.

Florence was employed as paraprofessional in the Boston School Department for twenty-eight years and was known to many neighborhood children as Mrs. Tompkins. She retired in 1994. Florence was among the first group of paraprofessionals hired by the Boston Public School System. Her ease with children and an innate ability to guide them toward becoming their best possible self, earned her a recommendation for advancement to Paraprofessional by her colleagues. In this capacity she touched the lives of countless individuals; helping them to overcome challenges and proceed with confidence toward their goals. She is remembered fondly by many students and colleagues.

She was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Quincy and former parishioner of Saint Augustine Parish in South Boston.

Florence raised her family and lived a faithful life. She loved trips “home” to Cape Breton Island where she could spend time with family and friends and recall and create countless wonderful memories including playing cards. Her courage and determination were ever present as she faced the challenges of life with strength and conviction. She touched the lives of countless with kindness and compassion. Her steadfast commitment to all that is good will continue to guide us daily.

Florence was a lovely, graceful and selfless lady.

Beloved wife of the late William E. Tompkins, Sr.

Devoted mother of Gail A. MacDonald of Quincy, formerly of Stellarton, Nova Scotia, William E. Tompkins, Jr. and his wife Gail of Kingston, Cynthia M. Ten and her partner Scott White of Auburn, Brenda L. Tompkins of Norton, and John F. Tompkins and his wife Karen of Richmond Hill, Ga.

Loving grandmother of Ryan, Katie Anne, and Neil MacDonald, Kristin, Kimberly, and Thomas Nee III, Caleigh and Liam Tompkins. Loving great-grandmother of ten great-grandchildren.

Daughter of the late Neil J. and Mary “Jessie” (Gillis) Gillis.

She was the oldest of nine children and is survived by Anne O’Connor and her husband Gordon, Margaret H. MacIsaac and her husband John, Peter A. Gillis and his wife Georgina, Barbara Gillis and her late husband Angus and Blaise Gillis, all of Canada. She was predeceased by John J. Gillis, Alexander Gillis and his surviving wife Brandi of Canada, Christine MacLellan and her late husband John.

Also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families.

Visiting hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Friday, November 22, from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint John the Baptist Church, 44 School Street, Quincy, on Saturday, November 23, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Quincy.

For those who wish, donations in Florence’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.