LILLIAN BIRSTON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LILLIAN BIRSTON Courageously, two weeks after a second significant stroke, Lillian died June 9, 2009, at the age of 86. She had a strong recovery from a stroke in January 2008, and was doing very well in her new home at the Rosewood. She joins Carl, the love of her life, who passed away January 25, 1998. Lillian was born March 18, 1923, in Selkirk, into the loving family of Runolfur (Ruffi) and Clara Henrikson. Growing up in the Depression, material possessions were few (Lillian shared her Mom's skates with her sisters) but love and integrity were plentiful. Graduating from Normal School, Lillian taught at Lockport and Gonor schools and treasured fond memories of her students. Lillian met Carl through his sister Doris, her high school friend. Carl and Lillian were married in July 1947. She supported him through engineering to his graduation in 1949. Carl and Lillian moved to Flin Flon where Carl worked with Hudson Bay Mining. They started their family there in 1951 and moved to the Winnipeg River where Carl worked on the construction of the Pine Falls Generating Station and with the Manitoba Hydro family at Seven Sisters. They moved to Winnipeg in 1957 and bought 1082 in 1958 so Carl could be home for lunch from Hydro head office, a testimony to the central importance of their family. Lillian's support of her family was unwavering. She seldom missed a concert, a ballet recital, or a school event. Lillian loved to work with her hands. Her knitting and pettipoint skills created countless gifts for family and friends. She lovingly baked vinatartas by the dozen at Christmas. She even helped her children create hand made valentines during their elementary school days. Lillian also expressed her thoughtfulness for others through her charitable work with her P.E.O. sisters. She was Provincial President in 1979 and long-time member of Chapter Q. Lillian had a sense of humour and a ready smile throughout her life. She had many special insights and witty sayings. When asked how she was, she often quoted Carl, Any better and they'd be suspicious! She became famous for her squashes (hugs; so named by Alistair) which she shared liberally with all in the various circles of her life. Mom enjoyed travelling. With Carl she visited Iceland, New Zealand and Europe. She made two trips to see Brian and Carla in Ireland. Dad and Mom travelled across Canada from west coast to east, dedicating many weeks to summer camping trips, highlights for her children. There were also many day trips to beautiful parts of Manitoba near home along with countless trips to visit family from all sides in Canada and the U.S. Lillian was a spiritual person who saw death as profound as life. She was aware of God's presence and help. She ended each day sending up her prayers and counting her many blessings. She had her priorities in order: it's all about love. Her love of God, family, friends and acquaintances were number one. She was inspired by the Word of God and His Creation, especially the high skies of the prairies. She shared her love graciously in all her circles: family, St. George's, PEO, Hydro, friends, music, shopping and dining, travel, health care and more. For many years, Lillian met in the home of her son Paul and other friends in the Central Church of Christ for Bible study and fellowship. Lillian's passing was also preceded by her parents, Runolfur (Ruffi) and Clara, brothers Hardy, Harold and Paul, and sister Thorey. She is survived by her loving sisters Dorothy May and Claire (Betty Lou) and sister-in-law Louise, her children and grandchildren: Paul, Margaret, Charity and Joshua; Carla, Brian, Alistair and Shannon; Craig, Patty, Alexandra and Reid; Harold and Carla; Drew, Amanda and Leo, along with many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and nieces and extended family in Canada, the U.S. and Iceland. Lillian's family is deeply grateful to all the angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2) who cared for her, particularly over the past 18 months: the doctors, nurses, staff and administration of the Victoria General Hospital, the Riverview Health Centre, the Irene Baron Eden Centre, WRHA, the Waverley and Rosewood retirement communities, the Manitoba Clinic, Winnipeg Hearing Centre, Drs. Tony and Roberta Krawat and all other special care givers along her incredible journey. Lillian's funeral and tribute will be Friday, July 3, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton St., Winnipeg. Interment will be beside her beloved Carl at St. Clements Mapleton, just south of Selkirk, at approximately 4:00 p.m., July 3. Public viewing is at Neil Bardal's, 3030 Notre Dame Ave., across from Brookside Cemetery, Thursday, July 2, 2009, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Neil Bardal in charge of arrangements, 949-2200. Gifts in honour of Lillian may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the charity of your choice. Lillian was a true wife and lady of noble character (Proverbs 31). We thank God for Lillian and the amazing life He gave her.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2009