Our Condolences to the Rivers/Longcake & Paul/George Families
Lillian Jean Rivers
Siýáḿtnaat - t
‘Big Lil’ ‘Lil’
Sunrise: December 23, 1945 – Sunset: April 30, 2024
It is with great sadness we advise the passing of our dear elder Lillian ‘Lil’ Jean Rivers. She passed surrounded by her loving family on April 30, 2024. Lil born to her parents Agnes Paul and Frank Rivers at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC. She grew up in Eslha7an (Mission IR no. 1.) Lil was a residential school survivor having attended St. Paul’s Indian Residential School. She also attended St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School and graduated a year early from North Vancouver Secondary School. She also completed a Secretarial Course at Vancouver Vocational Institute, Business Admin at Fraser Valley College for Business. Her academic drive helped her accomplish holding many jobs! Lil was the recording secretary for Council meetings in the 60’s. She helped Jim Nahanee open the first Band Office taking on the roll of Reception, Bookkeeper, and Secretary for the admin. She worked as reception at the Mosquito Creek Marina. She held a position with B.C. Native Housing and United Native Nations. She was the Band manager for Gwa’Sala-‘Na kwaxda’xw in Port Hardy until 1991. Lil took pride in being the first Woman Band Manager for the Squamish Nation in 1992. She was the reception at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre and retired in 2011 after working for the Elders Centre. While her resume was filled with many experiences, she made time to enjoy raising her family and having fun crafting with her friends and family. Some of Lil’s hobbies were carving (jewelry and wood), textiles such as quilting, sewing, cross stitch, making clothing, and regalia. She was an artist and in her earlier year’s competitive bowler. Lil loved to dance. She knew how to jive and won contests with her buddies. She shared the traits of a good ancestor, being a powerful, humble and positive. Lil will best be remembered for being loving, compassionate, beautiful, and having a great sense of humour and a hearty laugh.
Lil is survived by her children children Trevor Paul Rivers, Jill Tracy Peters, Kim A. Wilson, Julie Beth Peters; grandchildren Chantelle Ashley Peters, Lauren Charmaine Peters, Sarah Linda Lillian Massey, Brianna Wilson, Gregory Anthony Peters, Keisha Jade Peters, Devin Glenn Peters, John Kelly Jacobs, Alfred Frank Jacobs; great grandchildren Kirsten Jilliann Whonnock, Jordan Jonathan Whonnock, Jax Peters, Quanah Manipi Weedon III, Mia Violet Peters, Jade Lillian Peters, and many more cherished and loved family and friends.
Catholic & Shaker Prayers Service: Chief Joe Mathias Centre
Date: Monday May 6, 2024
View: 6:00 pm
Service: 7:00 pm
Sunrise Service: In keeping with our Tradition’s.
Catholic & Shaker Funeral Service: Chief Joe Mathias Centre
Date: Tuesday May 7, 2024
Viewing: 9:00 am
Service: 10:00 am
Cremation: Immediately following Service
Luncheon: Chief Joe Mathias Centre immediately following Service.
Online condolences can be found at www.dignitymemorial.com
Funeral can be viewed at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/90784
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Rivers family. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. Phone 604-255-5444.
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