Obituary of Lillian Nielsen

On March 20, 2014 Lillian Nielsen (née McTavish), passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side. Lillian was born on September 2 in Strathclair, Manitoba, and was the youngest of nine children. She worked at McDonald Brothers and Lougheed Airlines during the war building planes and placing rivets into the wings. She later worked at the post office and was a telephone operator in the Shoal Lake, Strathclair and Newdale area. Lillian married her first husband, Foster Oliver on April 18, 1953. Her one and only daughter, Deb, was born one year later. Foster passed away in 1957. Lillian worked extremely hard to support and keep a roof over her and her daughter's head. She took in borders for a year then worked at Eaton's for over 25 years. Lillian married her second husband Frode, whom she referred to as "the Dane" in 1976. Together, they took two trips to Denmark, and spent many a winter in Victoria, BC. Frode passed away in 1997, and Lillian once again was able to persevere. Lillian always felt she worked so hard to make ends meet that she never had time to enjoy her own daughter's childhood. Once two of her greatest joys, her granddaughters Dawn and Robyn arrived, she retired early so she could watch them grow and play an integral part in their lives. Lillian, aka Nan, loved spending time with Dawn and Robyn making crafts and working in the flower garden, and always had her cookie cupboard fully stocked. Lillian was a very strong willed and independent woman, both qualities she passed on to her granddaughters. Lillian was so proud of the wonderful, strong women that Dawn and Robyn grew to become. The true light in her life was her two great granddaughters, Abagail Dawn Middleton and her namesake Grace Lillian Middleton. A huge smile would always grace her face whenever she was in their presence or speaking of them. Abagail and Grace brought immense joy to Nan and made her world seem brighter. Lillian loved to knit, crochet, embroider and do needlepoint. All her girls were supplied with beautiful handmade sweaters, Barbie clothes and keepsakes. Even as her health deteriorated, Lillian was determined to and did complete another sweater for both Abagail and Grace. She also loved to square dance and was a member of the Barbershop Belles. Lillian remained in her own home up until her 90th year at which time failing health forced her into hospital, then into Hillcrest PCH in August 2013. While in personal care, Lillian's strong will remained and she made sure to make her likes and dislikes known. Lillian's final act of strength and determination was deciding to give up her fight and finally be at rest. She is survived by her daughter Deb (Jack) Angus, granddaughters Dawn (Scott) Middleton and Robyn Angus, as well as the loves of her life, her great granddaughters Abagail and Grace Middleton. Lillian is also survived by one brother, sister in law, nieces and nephews and extended family in Denmark. A private service was held on Tuesday, March 25th. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7.