In the afternoon of April 17th, Lillian passed away peacefully with her daughter and son by her side.

 

Lill leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Sandra Martin (David), her son, Neil of Tsawwassen, B.C., and her beloved grandsons Travis (Norah), Brett (Miranda), James (Keelyn), Sam and granddaughter, Amber. She also leaves great grandsons Luke, Draiden, Jackson and Jude and great granddaughter, Mika. Lill was predeceased by her dear husband, Bob, in 2012; her parents, Arthur Gittins and Mary Stean; and her siblings, Arthur Gittins, Jr. and Marguerite Simpson, along with many other close friends and family members.

 

Lill was born and raised in Montreal, the youngest of three. She graduated from Thomas D’Arcy McGee High School and then went on to work for Dun & Bradstreet as a switchboard operator. In 1952, she married Bob. A few years later, they started their family welcoming first Sandra and then Neil. In 1964, Bob accepted a transfer to Winnipeg with Canada Steamship Lines. The family moved to start a new chapter of their lives in Silver Heights. Initially, the move was to be temporary but Bob & Lill fell in love with Winnipeg. They made the decision to stay and not return to Montreal. Once the children were settled into school, Lill started working part-time at Sears Polo Park which she thoroughly enjoyed. Many summers were spent traveling back to the family cottage in Rawdon, Quebec or renting cottages in Manitoba and Ontario. In her younger years, Lill was an avid water skier. Lake life and time with family was important to Lill and she instilled that love in her children.

 

Bob and Lill spent many happy winters first in Hawaii and then in Palm Springs during their retirement years where they enjoyed a close circle of friends.

 

Over the years, Lill enjoyed many activities in the community but her favorites were bowling, golf and bridge. She was a member of the Assiniboine Golf Course for many years. She was also very active in the Silver Heights Community Club during its formative years where she organized baton classes as well as assisted on various committees. In addition, she was an active member of the over 55 club of the ANAF Unit 283.

 

Lill was an avid knitter for most of her life. Over the years, she made many beautiful things for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whenever she was sitting down at home, she had knitting needles in her hands. In her later years with her eyesight failing, she was still able to make small blankets to donate to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

 

The family would like to thank Michael and the staff at Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence for taking good care of our mom for the past 8 years especially when we couldn’t be there during Covid.

 

Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

 

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date as per Lill’s wishes.