LILIAN HELEN FRIDFINNSON (CLARKE)

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LILIAN HELEN FRIDFINNSON (nee CLARKE) With family by her side, Lillian Fridfinnson passed away at the age of 91 years at the home of her son in Winnipeg on June 13, 2006. A loving person, Lil will be missed by many family and friends. Left with fond memories of Lilian's kindness are her daughter Elaine Philippot and husband Gerry, her daughter Sandra McIntyre and husband Brian, and Lloyd Fridfinnson and wife Monica. Amma also leaves to mourn her grandchildren, Brent Duczek, Andrea Brown (Rob), Janet Rogowsky (Jason), Serena McIntyre (Marc), Colin McIntyre, as well as Lilian, Andres, Soffia and Steffa Fridfinnson. She also leaves great-grand-children, Hunter, Hailey, Emily, Ethan, Austyn and Sarah. Lilian will be deeply missed by many other family and friends including her beloved nephews, Wilf and Fred Clarke and their families. Lil was born in London, England on October 8, 1914 to Wilfrid and Esther (nee Kane) Clarke. Lil's first great tragedy came, at age 7, with the death of her mother and an infant sibling at childbirth. In 1923, Lil's father emigrated with Lil and her brother Wilfred to Winnipeg to join other family members. Many years later, Lil would take great pleasure in driving through the various neighbourhoods of St. James while pointing out some of the many homes she and her small family shared with friends and relatives during the early years of her life in Canada. Leaving her formal education after Grade 9, Lil's working life was spent making biscuits, chocolates and other treats at Paulin's Chambers where she eventually became Forelady . Lil made many friendships at Paulin's that have endured to this day. Tragedy visited Lil once again in 1942 when her beloved brother was shot down and killed over Belgium while serving as a volunteer in the RCAF. In 1946, Lil's much-adored father died at the early age of 62. Lil often spoke of the pleasure she took from her return visit to England in 1948. On August 14 of that same year, Lil married Andres Fridfinnson and nine months later gave birth to their first child, Elaine. Her early married life was spent at Long Lake, MB, a place that Lil fondly referred to as up North . Although this then remote area was accessible only by float plane or winter road, Lil often referred to her brief stay at the lake as being the happiest time of her life. Concern over the absence of medical services brought Lil and Andy back to Winnipeg where they settled and added Sandra, and much later Lloyd, to the family. Andy's death on July 30, 1971 at age 56 was a profound blow to the entire family and once again, Lil was left to largely fend for herself. After many years on Chalmers Avenue, and more wonderful friendships, Lil moved to an apartment on Henderson Highway, before making her final residence five years ago at Donwood Manor in North Kildonan. During the last several years, Lil developed treasured relationships with her neighbours, as well as members of the Grey Street United Church Senior's Club, of which she was President, as well as the fine people at the Middlechurch Adult Day Program. In recent years, Lil received great joy from the arrival of each new grandchild and great-grandchild. Many thanks are extended to those who provided medical and home care to Lil, including Terry, Lottie and Dr. Erroll Doermer. Special thanks also to Lil's niece Donna Koschinsky who recently travelled to Winnipeg for a very special visit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lilian's memory to The Heart and Stroke Fund or the CancerCare Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 17 at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., Aubrey Street entrance. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2006