LILLIAN BLAIKIE KESSLER (MCRAE)

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LILLIAN BLAIKIE KESSLER (nee MCRAE) Peacefully, and surrounded by the love of her family, Mom passed away at Fred Douglas Lodge, her home for the last several years, Friday, September 2, 2005. Lillian was predeceased by her husband, Joe, in 1987, as well as brothers, Gordon, Hugh, and George; and sister Flora. She is survived by her sister Beth (Sandy) Whitton of Ottawa. She leaves behind her four children, Alan (Shirley), Bonnie (Maurice) Mazerolle, Dianne (Chuck) Biggs, and Hugh (Maxine); grandchildren, Laurie, Kevin (Sharon), Drew, Danielle, Julie (Barkley), Ryan, Jennifer, Blaikie, Matthew, and Megan. She was also blessed with great-grandson Kristian, great-granddaughters, Winter and Lilli, as well as Cayleen and Shayla. Many nieces and nephews will remember her fondly. Lillian was born March 5, 1907 to Jessie and Hugh McRae of Winnipeg. After completing high school with a domestic science designation, she chose a career with the CP Telegraphs and that is where she met her future husband, an RCMP Constable. They married in 1937 in Dawson City, YT and were stationed for most of the following year in Forty Mile, YT. They spent the rest of their life together reminiscing about their wonderful northern experience. They returned to Winnipeg where Mom raised her family, of which she was so proud. Lillian really was a lady ahead of her time. She owned her own car in the 1930's and took many trips to World Fairs. She loved literature and was an active member of the Young Shakespearean Club. But her real love was music - a gift she gave to her children and subsequently her grandchildren. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lillian went to her final rest with the same grace she handled all things in her life. Our thanks are extended to the wonderful and caring staff at Fred Douglas Lodge and to Laurie Leveille who spent many hours visiting Mom. A service to honour and celebrate our Mother's life will be held at Thomson Funeral Chapel, Wednesday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Lenshyn officiating. Pallbearers will be her sons-in-law, Chuck Biggs and Maurice Mazerolle, grandsons, Drew, Ryan, Matthew and Barkley (B.J.) Engel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian's honour can be sent to The Fred Douglas garden fund. Shine Little Glow Worm THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2005