LILIANE RACHEL LUCIENNE SAWATZKY

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LILIANE RACHEL LUCIENNE SAWATZKY

(nee CHAMBERLAND)

With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved mother and grandmother, Liliane Sawatzky, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at Riverview Personal Care Home. She was 92.

Lil is lovingly remembered by her children Gerald, and Jodi (Joe); grandsons Adrian, and Jonathan; and siblings Florence, Leo (Martha), Edward, and Ronald (Heidi). She was predeceased by her loving husband, David, in 2006; children Lloyd in November 2019, and Constance in October 2022; her parents; and siblings Victor, Helene, Antoine, Allan, Rudolphe, Anita, Annette, Charles, and Daniel.

Born on February 14, 1934, Lil was the fourth of 14 children of Jeanne and Joseph Chamberland. She grew up in Ste-Genevieve, Manitoba.

Mom moved to Winnipeg in 1953, working first in sewing and then at a candy factory. She met her future husband, Dad, during this time, and they married on July 23, 1955. They then moved to Virginia Town, Ontario, and Con was born the following year, with Lloyd and Jerry arriving soon after. The family returned to Winnipeg in 1963. Mom later began working part-time as a banquet server at the Marlborough Hotel and remained in the industry for more than 30 years, retiring from the Crowne Plaza.

Mom and Dad lived in the North End and bought their first home on College Avenue in 1966. A few years later, Jodi was born. They lived there until 1999, when they moved to Primrose Avenue in Garden City. Wherever they lived, their door was always open to out-of-town siblings and families. Summers always brought many aunts, uncles, and cousins to Uncle Dave and Auntie Lil’s “home away from home.”

After Dad passed away, Mom continued to live on Primrose, enjoying sleepovers with her grandsons, gardening, crocheting, hosting family, and spending time at church. Following an injury, Mom needed a more manageable home. In 2017, at age 83, she moved to River Ridge II Retirement Residence. Over the next nine years, she made many friends, participated in everything offered, and brightened the days of residents and staff alike. This past May, she moved to Riverview Personal Care Home and remained her charming self, with a pleasant demeanor, easygoing nature, and good humour.

Mom’s faith was ever-present; she kept her school-aged Bible study guide close. A longtime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church on Andrews Street, she began attending Mass at St. Anthony of Padua with Con in 1997. Both became members of its Catholic Women’s League and remained so until their passings.

Mom, you lived a long, full life, and we were lucky to have you. We miss you, but take comfort in knowing you are reunited with Dad, Con, and Lloyd. The faith that comforted you throughout your life now has you among the angels, like the figurines you kept. We love you. Rest in peace.

Special thanks to the staff of Riverview Health Centre, including CD3 and staff throughout; the management and staff of River Ridge II; and Father Dominic, Colleen, and the Catholic Women’s League of St. Anthony of Padua Parish.

Funeral service will take place Monday, September 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 250 Burrin Avenue, with interment to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery, 4387 Main Street.

Tributes: www.cropo.com

LILIANE RACHEL LUCIENNE SAWATZKY

Liliane Sawatzky passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 92 years.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Burrin Avenue, with interment to follow at Holy Ghost Cemetery, 4387 Main Street.

Longer obituary to follow.

Tributes: www.cropo.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2026, Sep 26, 2026