Years back, my mother attended the Relay For Life, a cancer awareness event hosted by Miriam Gillies, a Center Moriches mainstay who has been involved in all kinds of community events for many years. She was driving a golf cart and offered my mom a ride. Little did she know that they were at the head of the relay and got a huge round of applause from the crowd, a proud moment Frances Chartuk would talk about until she passed away from cancer at age 87.
Miriam is celebrating her 90th birthday and has not missed a beat in her community calendar. She was on the reviewing stand for the St. Patrick’s parade and braved the rainy day in November to help organize the East Moriches Veteran’s Day Parade.
Miriam Gillies has spent decades at the heart of the community, building a legacy of volunteerism that continues to this day. A member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, she has played a role in nearly every major local event, from parades to fundraisers and seasonal traditions.
In 2011, Miriam was named the first female grand marshal of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an honor that surprised even her. Years earlier, she organized the popular Halloween window painting contests, bringing together students from schools across the area, including Our Lady Queen of the Apostles and Center Moriches schools.
Her impact reaches far beyond celebrations. Gillies brought the Relay For Life to the Bay Area, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research while personally connecting with survivors—relationships she maintains to this day. Diagnosed with cancer herself in 2005, she considers the event one of her proudest accomplishments.
She has also been involved with Suffolk Crusaders soccer to fight cancer, supports families affected by tragedy, and volunteered with the Passport Rotary Club, helping with food drives, organ donation awareness, and outreach to those in need.
Gillies’ service stretches back to the late 1970s, when she participated in the Blessing of the Fleet and launched the first Offshore Women’s Fishing Tournament. Over the years, she has volunteered with the American Cancer Society, East End Hospice, Camp Paquatuck, and countless chamber initiatives, including the Veterans Day Parade, holiday celebrations, and community programs.
Those who know her say she is often the first call when someone needs help. Still, Miriam is quick to credit others.
“I could never have accomplished any of this without the support of my community and friends,” she said. “They gave 110 percent, and still do.”
At 90, Miriam Gillies remains as active as ever—a constant presence, and a reminder of what one person can do for a community.