It is with collective broken hearts we announce the passing of Lillian Jessie McConnell; beloved wife, mother, sister, gramma, auntie and friend.
After a brief and courageous battle with cancer, Lillian passed away peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital on Sunday, June 12 @ 5:20am surrounded by her loving family. She died with the same grace and beauty that she lived her life with; but she was taken too soon and too quickly from our lives.
Lily is survived by her devoted and faithful husband Jim McConnell; her daughters Flora Lorteau (Chad); Connie McConnell (Scott); her beautiful grandsons Kyle, David, Nolan, Gus and Matthew; her precious grandaughter Zoe; her best friend and sister-in-law Colette McConnell (Mel); brother-in-law John (Norma); Several nieces and nephews and a myriad of friends and clients through Toby's Car Detail. We will all miss that perpetual smile that only Lillian had! As the baby of her family, Lynn is "finally leading the pack" as she leaves behind her big sisters Loretta, Kay and Mary and her big brothers Phil and Norman. Her friends at the Royal Purple #110 have lost a wonderful member in Lillian and her pals at the Bingo hall will miss "Happy" very much. Ming's heart is broken too.
Lillian was predeceased by her parents Lily and Lawrence Reed and by her beloved son, James McConnell who died a short two years ago. Mom is finally with her baby again.
Lillian was born on May 25, 1943 in Edmonton, Alberta the 6th and last child in her family. She was protected by all of her brothers and sisters as "Lynnie was so small and delicate" that you couldn't help but take her under your wing. Her delicate nature belied an inner strength that was quite formidable and served her well throughout her life.
A resident of Chilliwack for 33 years, Lillian gave so much to her family, her friends and to her community. An avid bingo player, gardener, community volunteer, member of the Royal Purple #110, devoted gramma and co-founder and operator of Toby's Car Detail for the last 31 years, Lillian lived a full and happy life. A harder worker you could never find. We all loved mom's banana bread and dad loved her burnt peanut butter cookies the most! To be loved by this woman was a blessing and she gave of herself so effortlessly, quietly and sincerely, even when it meant she might do without. She will always be in our hearts, will forever be missed and is deeply loved. A beautiful life indeed.
Many thanks to Dr. Markey for his gentle,compassionate nature; Thanks to mom's wonderful nurse Monica. Heartfelt thanks to mom's special nephews Carl and Chico who made mom's last days so beautiful in so many ways. A special thanks to big sis Kay for always coming and staying by her baby sister's side and to uncle Norman and Phil for staying by dad's side in the aftermath. Thanks to sisters Mary and Loretta for singing to their little sister.Love and gratitude to Colette and Mel for just being who you are. Many thnks to Dave at Hendersons for showing us such compassion once again.Thanks to our friends and family for their love and support.
And thank you God for bringing our Lily home so peacefully and painlessly.
God bless you mom and rest in peace with your baby James.
"Indescribable, O Queen, is the grief you bid us to renew".
Please join us in a Celebration of Lillian's life on Saturday, June 18, 2005 at 1pm Henderson's Chapel. Interment at Chilliwack Cemeteries. Reception to follow at the Elk's Hall. Friends and family are welcome to pay final respects to Lillian on Friday, June 11 between 7-9pm at Henderson's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a donation in Lynn's name to the Chilliwack Hospice Society; please contact Henderson's Funeral home for details.