Lillian Mary Poff (nee Dawson/Maindonald) August 22, 1930 – June 11, 2021
We thank God for the beautiful gift of Lillian who brought joy and love to all of us who were a part of her story. Lillian died peacefully at age 90 after a full and loving life. She leaves behind her dear husband of 67 years, Gordon Poff; their children, Gordon Jr. (Debra), Sandra Cook, and John (Kelly); grandchildren, Kerry (Dave), Gordon III, John Adam (Meagan), Sarah (Keith), and Ashley; great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Abigail, Harrison, Trevor, Skylar, Peter, and Rochelle; great-great grandson, Alexander; nephew, Fred (Elyse) Maindonald and several other nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her birth parents, Edna and Bob Dawson; her dear brother, Bud Dawson/Coniam; her grandparents and adoptive parents, Bert & Alice Maindonald; her son, Danny Hooker and son-in-law, John Cook.
Lillian was born in Uxbridge, Ontario to Edna & Bob. When she was 6 years old her mother died during childbirth and Lillian was then adopted by her dear grandparents, who became “Ma and Dad”. In her school-age years, she and June (Bennett) McBride became best friends for a friendship that lasted their lifetime. Lillian and Gordon were married in 1954 when Gordon served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Eventually they made their home in Hamilton where they lived until 2019. Besides being a loving and dedicated wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, Lillian was also an excellent cook, knitter, dancer, bingo player, jokester, and ice cream queen. She was generous with her time and anything else she had to share with others. She worked in the Sears cafeteria and received an award for Employee of the Year as she brought joy and laughter to many. She was also an accomplished Judo Instructor, having earned a black belt and wanting to help women learn how to defend themselves if needed. She had a strong will and could assert herself, but she also had a tender heart. Lillian treated people with respect and her motto was to always treat others with kindness. She was able to strike up conversations with children, teens, or adults of any age or orientation. In the past 2 years Lillian developed dementia which robbed her of many memories and physical abilities and even the ability to speak. She often didn’t know who we were but we knew who she was. When public health restrictions kept us apart, we were grateful for the loving care of the nurses, PSWs, and housekeeping staff at Schlegel Village in the Amherstburg neighbourhood. Lillian was all about family and she was definitely the hub of activity. She and Gordon enjoyed many summers at their cottage in Dunchurch where she entertained family and friends; her door and heart were always wide open. They also enjoyed winters in Florida where they shared many delightful memories with their children and grandchildren. Lillian’s life was a life of love through good times and through some very hard times. She and Gordon truly had a love story for the next generations to follow after. She loved being serenaded by Gordon singing their song: “If I Loved You”. His final words to her allowed her to go in peace: “Lil- I love you with all my heart. Wherever you go, my love will go with you and wherever I am, your love will always be with me. I will never forget you. Our love is for eternity.”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lillian Mary Poff Dawson 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Amherstburg, Province: Ontario