LILLIAN CLAIRE HANCOCK (PICKERING)

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LILLIAN CLAIRE HANCOCK
(PICKERING)
October 19, 1933 - October 26, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lillian Claire Hancock, one week after celebrating her 88th birthday.
Lillian was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Douglas Hancock; parents, Dolly and Edward Pickering; sister June Lahay and grandson Matt Hancock.
Lillian will be missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Brian (Ana), Brent (Darrell), Bruce (Lynn) and Maureen; granddaughters, Daniele and Kendra and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Lillian was born, raised and remained in Winnipeg her entire life. Growing up in Westin, mum attended Cecile Rhodes School and graduated from Daniel McIntyre in 1950. Lillian enjoyed her childhood playing tennis with her family and knock, knock ginger, kick the can and baseball with lifelong friend Georgie Patterson. When older, the two girls along with Ann Borys, made memories working the ticket booth together at the Patterson barnyard dances.
Lillian met Doug through mutual friends Bunny O'Dowda and Jim Sumner at a hockey game in 1951. They had an enjoyable evening which resulted in a call the next day, when Doug rang to ask Lillian out on a date. Mum and Dad were married in 1955 at St. Thomas Anglican Church and moved into a small apartment on College Avenue. In 1956, they had the first house built in the 500 block of Hazeldell Avenue in East Kildonan, where they remained until 2012. As Lillian and Doug were the first amongst their friends to own their own home, 540 Hazeldell quickly became known as a gathering place for great friends to spend many evenings eating, playing games, enjoying cocktails and laughing for hours. Mum was a wonderful host and cook who made all feel welcome.
Lillian and Doug started their family when their first son was born in 1959. They had two more boys in 1963 and 1964, before welcoming their daughter in 1968. Lillian was a dedicated mother, providing her family with healthy meals and always a homemade dessert after dinner. Mum ensured her children were well cared for and healthy by taking her four children downtown by bus to numerous medical and dental appointments. Mum also hand-made clothes and a variety of Halloween costumes for each of her children, which ultimately were enjoyed by her grandchildren and participated in making ice rinks and slides in the backyard every winter for her children and their neighbourhood friends. Lillian was a patient mother who spent countless hours teaching and playing tennis with her children, as well as billiards, table tennis, golf, many board games and countless card games. Lillian volunteered a tremendous amount of time at Neil Campbell School library, sports days and accompanied many field trips. Mum's wonderful hosting began focusing more on holidays dinners providing many Christmases, Thanksgivings, Easters and New Year's dinners for extended family and children's birthday parties, in which she made many uniquely designed special cakes for each child.
Lillian made many friends on Hazeldell and the surrounding streets, which is where she furthered her love of Bridge. Mum had afternoon and evening Bridge clubs and multiple Bridge groups at the lake. Mum had a strong interest in sports from an early age. Lillian bowled Monday evenings with Doug for many years, played tennis into her late 70s, took up golf in her 40s and enjoyed many Bombers and Jets games. Mum also developed an interest in stained glass window making and made a number of beautiful pieces for the family, their homes and the cottage.
Lillian's favorite place was Victoria Beach and they purchased what was initially a tiny cottage in 1964. Lillian was able to spend every summer there until recent years, where she golfed, played tennis, enjoyed bridge and entertained friends and family. For several years, Lillian and Doug organized the Annual Victoria Beach Dog Show and were very involved in running the Victoria Beach Tennis Club, which saw them awarded the Vilis Ansons Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008.
When the children were older, Lillian upgraded her high school courses and ultimately attended the Health Sciences Centre School of Nursing, graduating in 1984 at age 51. Mum worked part-time for nine years in the orthopedic rehab unit, giving them the opportunity to travel extensively. The first trip abroad in 1986 was to Spain and Morocco with the family. The two also travelled to Bermuda, Australia, Turkey, England, Scotland, Ireland and enjoyed an Alaskan cruise before settling down for winters in Fort Myers, Florida. There they met and entertained many new friends, played tennis, cards and hosted family visits.
In the 1990s Lillian lovingly welcomed all her grandchildren into the world. Lillian was a warm, caring grandmother who enthusiastically attended every concert, sporting event and graduation. Mum would eagerly play on the floor with her grandchildren, having many tea parties and playing games. Lillian was a fantastic baker and enjoyed making cookies with the girls.
Lillian enjoyed many years of volunteering at St. Stephen's Church, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre and the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre.
Lillian was also a lover of walking. From walking miles at Victoria Beach with her family and beloved dogs, to the hallways and grounds of Concordia Village, where she always had a friendly hello and cheerful words to all she met.
Lillian lived at Concordia Village for the last seven years, where she enjoyed meeting many new friends, participating in activities, playing bridge and attending worship services.
The family would like to thank the staff of Concordia Village, the Home Care staff who were always kind and caring with our mother and Adrienne from Home Instead who spent many hours with mum as her Covid companion. We would also like to thank all the wonderful residents who played bridge, ate meals, chatted in the hallways and attended many activities with mum over the last seven years. Lillian was happy at Concordia Village and often spoke of everyone's kindness.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 4, 2021 at E.J. Coutu, 680 Archibald Street, Winnipeg.
A separate celebration will be held for the Concordia Village residents at their place of residence at a later date.
Proof of vaccination is required to attend the service.

E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS
204-253-5086
ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2021