Lilian Rosina (nee Clements) Bouderlique

Some people leave behind memories, Lilian Rosina Bouderlique left behind a way of living. She believed family mattered, that people deserved fairness, that your word was important, and that love should never depend on agreement. Though small in stature, Lilian had a remarkable presence. She was a woman with opinions, humour, strength and warmth. Lilian passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on July 28, 2026, at the age of 89.

Lilian was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend Maurice Bouderlique. This August 2nd would have marked their 57th wedding anniversary.

She was also reunited with her parents: David Clements and Elizabeth Clements; Sister Violet Clements; brothers Robert Clements; David Clements and her Stepmother Lillian Clements. She is survived by brothers Alan Clements and Peter Clements.

Lilian was the proud mother of Michelle Premack (Garry), Stephan Bouderlique (Ellie), Evelyn Sim (George), and Susan Cochrane. She celebrated each of her children for exactly who they were. She followed each of their interests with genuine enthusiasm and never stopped believing in their ability to accomplish whatever they set their minds to. No matter her children's interests, she was always their biggest supporter.

One of Lilian's greatest joys was being Nana, and later, great Nana. She genuinely enjoyed spending time with each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and each relationship had its own personality. Whether it was making chocolate milk in a glass boot, a pottery class, shared cups of tea, cheering on the pistons, helping water the flowers outdoors, a competitive game of Go Fish, finding another piece of the puzzle, or sharing a meal, she found happiness in the everyday moments they spent together. Time together mattered to her, whether planned or spontaneous, those visits were among the moments she looked forward to the most.

She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: David Grienke (Heidi) and their children, Emily and Logan; Casey Lemoine (Phil) and their children Chace & Carter, Chelsey Du Bourg and her children, Daxton, Elodie and Liliane; Courtney Priest (Ashley) and their children Tesslynn, Nicholas and Matthew; Zachary Grienke (Cassandra) and their children, Jane and Wyatt.

After serving her country in the Royal Air Force, Lilian immigrated to Canada in 1957 making the 1O-day voyage by ship from England. From the East Coast, she continued her journey west by train to Winnipeg. Having run out of money, Winnipeg became her first home in Canada. She worked as a clerk there before later settling with her husband Maurice in Steinbach, where she began what would become a distinguished career with the Manitoba Property Assessment Branch.

A few short years after arriving in Canada Lilian and Maurice met while bowling, and after a short courtship were married August 2, 1969. She often shared a piece of advice that perfectly reflected the life they built together: Don't marry only for love, love can fade, marry your best friend. Maurice was without question her very best friend.

While at the Assessment Branch Lilian became widely respected for her leadership, sense of fairness and willingness to accept change. At a time when computers were transforming the workplace, she became a trusted trainer and mentor, helping staff across Manitoba confidently adapt to new technology. Her knowledge and dedication were so highly regarded that even after retirement she was repeatedly invited back to continue training and educating.

She also volunteered with the Red Cross, helping families displaced by flooding obtain the necessities they needed to be safe and comfortable. She championed improvements in her community and never hesitated to stand up for what she believed was right. Whether advocating for better drainage on her street, debating politics, or encouraging others to exercise their right to vote, she spoke her mind, stood by her convictions, and remained true to herself.

Together Maurice and Lilian built a marriage founded on friendship, commitment, and a shared purpose. Through every season of life, they were partners in the truest sense. While raising their family, summers revolved around weekends at their cabin at Kenosha Resort on Longbow Lake near Kenora, Ontario. They fished the water of Lake of the Woods, creating memories that would remain among the happiest of their lives. Back home, that partnership flourished in the yard they tended together. What began as a sprawling vegetable garden, gradually evolved into magnificent flower bed's that expanded with each passing season.

Lilian also enjoyed travelling. Alongside Maurice or her children, she travelled to England, Cuba, France, and Florida, with France, England & Florida holding a special place as opportunities to reconnect with family.

As Maurice's health declined, Lilian remained devoted to him with remarkable strength, compassion and determination, making certain he was cared for with dignity until the very end of his life. Whether it was preparing his breakfast every morning, keeping up with routines that they built together, or simply being by his side, her commitment never wavered. She cared for her best friend with the same steadfast love that had defined their marriage from the very beginning.

The arts held a special place in Lilian's heart throughout her life. She had a lifelong love of Opera, and one of her most cherished concert memories was seeing the incomparable Luciano Pavarotti in Edmonton, AB. She loved reliving that concert for many years. She also cherished musical theatre, she didn't simply enjoy the performing arts, she became part of them. She embraced community theatre both on stage and behind the scenes, finding equal joy in performing and in costume design. Photographs of the productions she helped bring to life remained among her most cherished keepsakes. Her love of the arts continued through the next generations of her family. She loved attending their performances and productions, proudly celebrating their accomplishments and making sure they always knew just how proud she was.

To know Lilian was to know that she loved dogs. Throughout her life, there was almost always a dog by her side. Each one was a cherished member of the family, loved unconditionally and, true to Lilian's spirit each one was shown love through treats, treats and more treats, with a healthy dose of belly rubs. Her love of dogs extended far beyond her own. All grand pups and great grand pups were welcome to Nana's house. There was always a dinner plate to share, and a scratch behind the ears to be had. Nana's house belonged to the dogs just as much as it belonged to everyone else.

Lilian was a woman who could not be easily defined. She was fierce, loving, strong, independent, caring, fair and endlessly true to herself. She was a brilliant spirit who left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

To us, she was Mum, she was Nana and great Nana. We could not be prouder to have called her ours. Her legacy will live on through the values she taught, the memories she created, the gardens she tended, the stockings she sewed, the scarves she knitted, the dogs she loved, and the generations of family who will continue to carry her love forward.

The world was a better place because Lilian was in it, and those of us who had the privilege of knowing her will never forget her.

Mum, you will be incredibly missed. We will carry your lessons with us in our everyday lives, in the way we love, the way we stand up for what is right, the way we care for others, and the way we remain true to ourselves.

A life well lived is not measured by the years behind us, but by the lives we touched along the way. Mum, your work here is done, rest now. You gave us your strength, your courage, your humour, and your love. We will carry them with us always.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. He and all the staff at Bethesda Hospital's Emergency, Medicine, and Rehabilitation wards. Their kindness, compassion, and care for Mom were immeasurable, and we be grateful.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal rescue in Mum's honour.

A joint Celebration of Life honouring Lilian and beloved husband, Maurice, will be held on October 3, 2026. Details regarding location will be announced at a later date.