Dorothy Christine "Teenie" Garland

Dorothy Christine “Teenie” (Gillis) Garland, age 66, lovingly known as “Christine” and affectionately nicknamed “Teenie,” was born on March 23, 1959, in Lowell, Massachusetts to Frederick J. Gillis Jr. and Elizabeth (Mellen) Gillis.

As one of eight children, Teenie treasured the unique and special bonds she shared with each of her seven siblings—Mary, Mike, Fred, Joey, Frankie, Kathy and Paul—relationships that brought her love and strength throughout her life. She grew up in the Christian Hill neighborhood of Lowell and attended Saint Michael School and Lowell High School. During these years, she formed a lifelong friendship with Mary (Dolan) Regan—a connection as close as family that she held dear.

As a young girl, Teenie played the accordion and traveled nationally and internationally with a polka band. She loved spending summers at her family’s home on J Street in Hampton Beach, where she was happiest as a self-proclaimed “beach bum,” sunbathing and chasing the sun wherever she could. After graduating from high school, she began her career at the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank. She later stepped away from work to raise her two daughters, before returning to school and earning her Associate’s Degree as a Medical Secretary from Middlesex Community College in just nine months. When her daughters were older, she returned to the bank, where she enjoyed connecting with customers until her retirement in 2012, when she embraced her most treasured role as a full-time grandmother.

She described herself as “a hippie and a wild one,” with a deep love for music—especially 1970s rock and roll. Among her favorites were The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Kinks, Cat Stevens, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley. She attended countless concerts over the years, too many to keep track of but she was certain she enjoyed them all. Teenie also had a great love of shopping and always sought out a bargain, which she enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

Teenie was a proud and resilient single mother of Jennifer (Garland) Meyers and Rachel Garland. She raised her daughters with the unwavering support of her siblings whenever needed. Her younger sister, Kathy, in particular, was always a steadfast source of strength for Teenie and her daughters. She and her daughters shared a closeness that words could never capture, endless cherished memories and grew up together in many ways.

Yet her truest calling and proudest title was “Grammie.” When Jenn and her husband Derek started a family, Teenie poured her heart into being an extraordinary grandmother to Shayleigh and Aria. Living with them, she delighted in trips to the library, downtown Lowell trolley rides, walks to the park, playing Barbies, teaching card games and attending all of their extracurricular activities. Later, when Rachel and her partner Miles welcomed their twin boys Camden and Marcus, Teenie was overjoyed. Despite her declining health, she cherished time with her grandsons, reading books, playtime and snuggles.

She adored her role as “Auntie Teenie” and was known as a fun and loving aunt who shared very special connections with each of her nieces and nephews. They enjoyed laughs together at family gatherings and during card games, memories that brought joy beyond measure. They may all claim to be her favorite, as that is how special she made them feel. In truth, they would all be right.

In her later years, Jenn and Derek lovingly cared for Teenie in their home, with help from Shayleigh and Aria. Surrounded always by family and music (which was never quite loud enough for her,) she continued to find joy in reading, playing board games and cards, soaking up the sun at every chance she got and watching game shows and the Patriots play. Her final day was spent in the presence of her loved ones, listening to her favorite songs. In the early morning hours of September 20, 2025, Teenie passed peacefully at home with her daughters Jenn and Rachel holding her hands as Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin” played.

Teenie was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Elizabeth Gillis; her uncle, Edward C. Gillis and her beloved nephews, Jared Gillis and Matthew Gillis.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Meyers and her husband, Derek of Tyngsboro and Rachel Garland and her partner, Miles duPont of Lowell; her cherished grandchildren, Shayleigh and Aria Meyers and Camden and Marcus duPont; her siblings, Mary and Thomas Mullane of Rye, NH, Michael and Kathy Gillis of Hampton, NH, Frederick and Pennie Gillis of Hampton, NH, Joseph and Vivian Gillis of Westford, Frank Gillis of Lowell, Kathy and Edward Tierney of Salem, MA and Paul Gillis of Chelmsford; and her many nieces and nephews, including Ellen, Julie, Michael, Shawn, Frederick, Patrick, Kaleigh, Elle, Matthew and Elizabeth; as well as many grand-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special acknowledgement and heartfelt gratitude to Teenie’s devoted home health aide, Balbina, who joined her care earlier this year and provided exceptional kindness, support and companionship. They also wish to recognize the many family members and friends who visited frequently—bringing her favorite treats, sharing stories and keeping her company—gestures of love that brightened her days and meant so much to her.

Teenie’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, especially her family, who were her greatest joy.

Relatives and friends are invited to Teenie’s Life Celebration on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 12:30 PM at St. Francis Church, Dracut. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell.