McClelland, Lila Mae (nee Casselman)
Retired Bell Canada Executive (1945-1982)
Born in Winchester November 30, 1927 to the late Willis A. Casselman and the late Florence C. Drake.
Lila passed away in Ottawa on January 8, 2022 under the tender care of the Glebe Centre Staff for which
the family is thankful after an 11 year battle with Alzheimers . Lila was predeceased by the love of her
life, her husband Mason H. McClelland whom she married on Sept 24, 1949 and passed away in 1997.
She was also predeceased by her brothers Myles “Mike” Casselman (Evelyn), Lorne “Chubby” (Ann &
Pat), Dalton “Dalt”(Beryl), Wellington “Wally”, and sisters Muriel Ciavaglia (Fred) , Avis Pitcher (Charles),
Mourine Barclay (Robert) and Emily Casselman (Edward Spilman)
.
Lila and Mason lived in their first home on Ridgemont Ave for 62 years and became a fixture in the
community and had wonderful neighbors. She was an active member of Ottawa’s Christ Church
Cathedral as well as the Ottawa Women’s Canadian Club.
The blood in Lila’s veins ran Bell Canada blue. Starting as a switchboard operator in 1945 to managing a
staff of 300 switchboard operators to finally becoming the Manager of Sales for the Eastern region. Lila’s
steely stare and perfect elocution announced she would not be taking any fools lightly, no matter their
gender. She was, for her time, a self-made woman who helped many other women along the way and
one would say a fair number of men as well.
Lila adored her many, many nieces and nephews who all have wonderful memories of her and their
Uncle Mason (“Shanny”) and the supposed mouse he kept hidden in his shirt pocket. They made every
one of us feel very loved and special and for that she will always be remembered.
When Lila raised a glass, she would always say “May you LIVE every day of your life!”
……..To a life well lived!
At Lila’s request there will be no visitations. Due to Covid restrictions a Funeral Service and a
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be announced when restrictions are lifted.
Arrangements will be made by the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair McGarry 315 McLeod Street (at O’Connor). Lila’s remains will be interred at the Pinecrest Cemetery 2500 Baseline Rd beside her husband in chamber 120 in the Columbarium Wall. In Memoriam donations to University of Ottawa Heart Institute, or Ottawa Regional
Cancer Centre or The Glebe Centre would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lila Mae McClelland Casselman Saturday January 8th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Winchester, Province: Ontario