LILLIAN IRMA COUTU (LAWRENCE)

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LILLIAN IRMA COUTU (nee LAWRENCE) August 30, 1922 - September 21, 2001 Lillian Irma Coutu, nee Lawrence, aged 79, passed away on September 21 in West Vancouver, BC while at home surrounded with love, after a long and magnificently spirited struggle with leukemia. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Yvonne Marie and Michael Holland; as well as her father Raymond; her sister Verna; her brother Melrose and her many other relatives and friends. As Irma Lawrence, she became the flamboyant singer who stirred our hearts in nightclubs and on CBC radio shows coast to coast over many years. A Catholic, Lillian Irma was a true inspiration in her boundless compassion, charity and faith. She offered her talents and her life up to God, and, following the Blessed Virgins example, became a loving mother and heart of her family. Whichever name we remember her by, she remains a beacon within us and a guiding presence in our lives. The family offer their eternal gratitude to all her doctors, and to Classic Caregivers; also the angel nurses of the BC Registered Nurses Directory, and the MSSU and Palliative Care at St. Pauls Hospital, Vancouver and especially to Dorothy Daniel, a dear friend to Lillian whose love, serenity and strength brought daily joy and laughter on this painful journey. Prayers will be offered at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 27, with a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 28, both at St. Edmunds Catholic Church, 545 Mahon Ave., North Vancouver, with a reception to follow at Canyon House restaurant (opposite Capilano Suspension Bridge). Many family members will not be wearing black at Lillians own request, to celebrate her journey closer to God rather than mourn her passing, so her family will be very happy to see others dressed similarly. In memory of Lillian, donations may be made to Covenant House at 575 Drake St., Vancouver, BC V6B 4K8. A website tribute may be visited at www.moseweb.com HOLLYBURN FUNERAL HOME 604-922-1221

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2001