Lillian Elizabeth Wiley
October 29, 1929 – May 08, 2021
Lillian Wiley (1929-2021)
A Life Well Lived
Lillian Wiley passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 8, 2021 after a short struggle with cancer. She was 91 years old.
Lillian leaves behind three adult children — Keith (Toronto, Ontario), Shelley (Halifax, NS) and Lowell [Kim] (Whitecourt, Alberta) — as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Her lifelong companion, Lowell, passed away in 2006. Lillian was the youngest of six children. Her two sisters (Ethel and Margaret) and three brothers (Charles, Gordon, and Donald) pre-deceased her.
Lillian was born on October 29, the very day the Stockmarket crashed, in 1929. She lived through the difficult years of the Great Depression, and then came of age in time to enjoy the period of economic growth after WWII. Somewhat ahead of her time, Lillian worked outside the home while raising a family. No doubt, this accounted for her independence of spirit, her many friends, her even-headedness, and even her longevity.
Lillian lived an active life. She traveled to the U.K nine or ten times to visit her son who lived there. She even managed to take university courses later in life. She spent many winters in Florida with her husband, mostly playing golf. And she could still hit a good golf ball at 89 years of age, and even walk much of the course.
Those lifetime experiences and friendships made Lillian who she was — smart, independent, progressive, considerate, kind, world-wise, patient, generous, and always good-natured and a great wit. She had friends — many friends. For her, friends were the key to a good life.
Lillian’s body may have tired out, but her mind was sharp to the very end. Her final thoughts were with her family and friends. She was especially happy that they all were receiving their Covid vaccinations and knowing that they would be safe. The family is grateful for NS Palliative Care and the VON for their expertise and assistance.
Throughout the years, Lillian received much support from her nieces (Sandi, Wendy, Linda, Pauline) and their husbands who lived nearby. But it was Shelley, her daughter, who looked after her in her later years and who cared for her with love and selfless devotion. As Lillian said — we should all be lucky to have a daughter like Shelley.
We were all lucky to have shared a life with Lillian. She was a bright spirit and a kind, exemplary human being. She will be remembered as a good person, a great role model, and a wonderful mother.
There will be no funeral arrangements at this time. A celebration of Lillian’s life will be arranged at a later date once Covid restrictions are fully lifted.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lillian Elizabeth Wiley October 29 1929 May 08 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Halifax, Province: Nova Scotia