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LILLIAN DOLLY FRIESEN
Born: Aug 25, 1932
Date of Passing: Nov 06, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLILLIAN DOLLY FRIESEN
It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Lillian on November 6, 2023.
Lil was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Jack. She leaves behind her children Brian, Alan (Heather), Audrey (Claude); and grandson Erik (Joanne).
She will also be missed by her brother Ed, wife Olga and their children Dale, Debbie (Rob), Neil (Lindsay); as well as her sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Burt) and Margaret; and many nieces and nephews. After years of travelling to Mexico she will be fondly remembered by Marcos, Maria, Pablo, Noel, Carlos and their partners and children. This lovely Mexican family adopted Mama Lily and Papa Jack creating over 30 years of international love.
Lil was born August 25, 1932, in Preeceville, Saskatchewan. The eldest child of Fred and Mary Bazan, she lived a life full of family, friendships, and service to her community. After Lil raised her three children, she returned to the workforce to provide a second income. She enjoyed the multiple roles that she played at Powell Equipment, and it was there that she discovered her natural leadership and organizational abilities. She was responsible for many of the company’s social activities. Lifelong friendships were developed that last to this day.
An active member of the Fort Garry Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles, she donated countless hours in support of these organizations. Of specific importance was her commitment to the Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree at the Eagles Club. She would acquire new and almost new items that children could purchase for less than a dollar as gifts for their parents and siblings. She would wrap and price hundreds of items over the year, then deliver them to the club in time for the popular annual event. Twice she was President of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary where her smile and laughter will be missed.
Curling, bowling and travel with friends kept Lil young. She loved to play cribbage and bingo and, to the dismay of other bingo patrons, was often a multiple game winner. We know she will not be missed by some of those players!
The delicious food Lil prepared was legendary. Holiday meals would be over the top and always included each one of her children’s favourites. Everyone was happy to be sent home with leftovers.
Lil was a survivor. She battled cancer, a brain aneurysm, heart disease and dementia but, in the end, her body was tired, and it was simply her time. She genuinely believed that when your time was up, it was up. She is now with the guardian angel that she spoke about her entire life.
The family would like to give special thanks to Lil’s friend and neighbour Sid Denby. These two characters spent many years keeping each other company and enjoying afternoon happy hours after Jack’s passing. Without Sid, Lil would never have been able to live alone in her home until 90 years of age. On behalf of the family, a very special thank you to Sid for always supporting her and for being such a great friend to both Lil and Jack.
As per Lil’s wishes she has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Club, 3459 Pembina Highway on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lil’s memory may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3870.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2023, Nov 18, 2023
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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We got to know Lillian through work at Powell Equipment. She was one of our favourite people. Always cheerful, good listener and lots of fun. Lovely lady. Our deepest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Rheal and Rositha Jeanson (Friends from work) on: Dec 06, 2023
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Lil was a very good friend, colleague and partner in fun times for my Mom and Dad. Dad and “Aunty” Lil worked together at Powell Equipment for decades. She played an integral part in getting me a job there as well. Mom (Carol)bowled with Aunty Lil for decades. I also enjoyed bowling on Tuesdays with Mom and Aunty Lil. Mom and Dad, Aunty Lil and Uncle Jack would regularly gather on Thursday evenings, after bowling, to play poker at our place or theirs. They celebrated many a New Year’s Eve together over the years. I grew up hanging out with Audrey, Alan and Brian while our parents hung out together. I have many fond memories of the Friesen household. Always fun, always welcoming. Mom and Aunty Lil also shared a strong passion for helping others through the Eagles Club, as well as the Children’s Shopping Spree. I always looked forward to the shopping spree… bringing my kids, volunteering as an elf assistant shopper, and then volunteering with my daughter, Sara. Aunty Lil also ran the silent auction fundraiser and always had time to have a visit. Ladies night out at the Eagles Club was also an event I enjoyed spending with my mom, Aunty Rosie, Aunty Dolly, Aunty Gert, “Aunty” Lil, cousins and friends… Aunty Lil was an amazing woman and a force to be reckoned with. I will cherish all my memories of time spent with the Friesen family on Riverside Drive. So sorry for your loss Audrey, Claude, Alan , Heather and Brian, “Aunty” Olga and “Uncle” Ed Bazan and families. May we continue to cherish our memories and find comfort in a life well lived. Rest in Peace Aunty Lil. I hope you and Uncle Jack have found each other up there in heaven. Love, Shelley Maslow - Posted by: Harvey Maslow (Shelley Maslow) (Friend) on: Nov 27, 2023
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Brian...I will always cherish that one night...after SO many years (40+) of knowing you...you finally planned not just a wonderful evening of friends, staff etc...but you made a special effort to include your Mom (after me saying I had not yet met her...). That is the action of a proud, GREAT son...!! You need to know just how special that moment was to Marcus and I! I will keep that memory forever. Wishing you peace. Your memories will become a comfort to you....I promise.❤ - Posted by: Cathy Hunzinger (Ilifeong indebted friend to Brian) on: Nov 24, 2023
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Sincere condolences to all in the passing of Lil. As long time friends of Jack and Lil, John and I enjoyed many card games, dances, meals and Shooting Star trips together. I can hear Lil’s laughter and advice well given. The picture in the obituary is just so like Lil with that genuine smile! Thankful Lil is at peace with her guardian angel! Maybe she is having a drink and playing a game of cards with John and Jack. With love, care and hugs from Marlene Mutch - Posted by: Marlene Mutch (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2023
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My sincere condolences to BF, Al, Audrey, Erik and family. Losing a mother, grandmother and family matriarch is so difficult. May you find solace in your memories. - Posted by: Tracey Mazur (former GCDC/CS employee) on: Nov 18, 2023
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To Brian and family. We extend our sincere condolences to you all. I met your Mom and remember her great sense of humor. Also the many times you spoke of the Monday family dinners. No one can ever take away the Beautiful Memories. What an amazing active life she had. May she Rest in Peace with her beloved Husband. Bev and Jodi Hansell. - Posted by: Beverley Hansell (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Lil’s passing, as I cherish her generosity and acceptance of me, oh so many years ago. She certainly sparkled, with a wonderful, mischievous laugh and genuine warmth. Lil was a thoughtful, kind woman who cooked up a storm, moved to do so by her unfailing love for her family and many friends. Indeed, her Sunday dinners and holiday feasts were legendary, and her joy to delight all the little children was marvellous! I offer my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the entire Friesen clan and the many people Lil held close to her heart, all of whom are blessed to have shared time with her. May peace be with you as you take your rest, “Mum”! Love, Carrie Lionberg - Posted by: Carrie Lionberg (Extended family) on: Nov 18, 2023
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My condolences to Brian and the Friesen family. God bless each of you stay strong and May your mom rest in piece 🙏🌹 - Posted by: Barb Fisher (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023