Lila Mae McDermaid

Be kind, help others, play fair and tell the truth. Lila learned these lessons as a child and she lived her life by them. Her many friends and the lives she touched are a testament to the success of incorporating these values into her rich and meaningful life.

Lila Mae was born to Art and Nettie Nielsen of Wilkie, Saskatchewan on June 7, 1937, at Wilkie Union Hospital. Lila began her young life on the family farm north of Phippen, Saskatchewan before the family moved into Wilkie.

After graduating high school, Lila trained as a nurse at Saskatoon City Hospital, a profession that would allow her to help others and provided an opportunity for travel. Following her graduation in 1958, Lila worked at Indian Head Union Hospital. She met her future husband William (Bill) in Indian Head. They married October 15th, 1960 in Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilkie. Lila continued working as a nurse until the arrival of her son Cameron, in 1964. The next year Karen arrived. Despite transitioning to working in the home, Lila remained committed to the many good friends she made during her nursing training, routinely attending reunions until she was no longer able to travel in her mid 80's.

Lila worked in the family home in Indian Head until the family moved to Bill's parent's farm in 1975. There, she worked tirelessly alongside Bill with the additional chores that farm life brought. In December 2008, Bill and Lila moved back into Indian Head.

In the community, Lila volunteered as a Girl Guide and Pathfinder Leader. She was active in the St. Andrews United Church community, volunteering, visiting and delivering church bulletins to those who were home bound or in supportive care. Lila was an avid curler and lifelong fan, following the sport on TV along with her Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Blue Jays.

In 1986, Lila's life changed with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Lila said it was all about outsmarting her arthritis; learning to live with it and not letting it control you. She said knowing your limits is important and taking the time to relax.

Beginning in childhood and lasting throughout her life, Lila loved the outdoors. She enjoyed cottage time at Cochin Beach on Jackfish Lake as a child and Katepwa in her adulthood with her husband Bill, her children, extended family and friends. Purchasing a cottage at Katepwa Lake in 1967 was Bill and Lila's Centennial project. She loved being active in nature: walking, cycling and taking up kayaking in her later years. Lila paddling her bright orange kayak along the shoreline at Katepwa lake was a common sight. Lila loved to travel and although she said that her plan to travel the world was delayed on reaching Indian Head, she enjoyed local excursions and travels further afield from family visits in BC to a trip to Quebec City for her 80th birthday.

Lila was a devoted mother, sparing no effort to support her children in their lives and many adventures. She was a devoted wife to Bill throughout their marriage until his passing in 2014. Lila transitioned to supportive living in Hayes Haven in Indian Head and continued seeing friends and spending time with family. Her last 3 years were spent in Golden Prairie Nursing Home, where she was a beloved resident, welcoming friends and family and keeping up on the lives of the staff.

Lila was predeceased by her father Art, her mother Nettie and her husband Bill. Lila will be missed by her children Cameron (Susan) and their child Faelan, Karen (Darryl) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Lila touched many lives, some directly and many others indirectly. Her resilience and spirit was inspirational as she lived her motto: Spread the Joy.

A celebration of life will be held in St. Andrew's United Church, Indian Head, Saskatchewan on Saturday, August 29, at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Don Jewitt. Interment will take place in the Indian Head Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Wheels for Wellness, c/o Town of Indian Head, Box 460, Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0; Regina Humane Society, 4900 Parliament Ave., Regina, SK S4W 0T7; St. Andrews Church Memorial Fund, via either cheque to Box 354, Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0 or e-transfer to [email protected]; Arthritis Society of Canada, 220 Bay St., Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2W4 or the charity of your choice.