Lilly Aase Roberts

She was born in Aalborg, Denmark. She came to Fort William, Ontario at the age of 9, with parents Christian Holger Kastrup and Ellen Birtha Clemmenson. They later changed their name to Bay.

It was not an easy transition. The job that was promised to Osa’s father with CN Rail was nonexistent. He had to adapt as many did in the 30’s, doing all kinds of odd jobs, including trapping and selling furs. The experience gave young Osa a life-long habit of scrimping and saving, which lasted well into her 90’s. Her thriftiness allowed for many trips later in her life which she

enjoyed immensely with her dear friend and neighbour Eve.

As a young woman, Osa left home for the big city of Toronto to attend the Ontario College of Art. She dreamed of being a fashion model in New York or an artist in Toronto. The latter seemed more financially feasible to the starving art student. She had many adventures and made many friends in Toronto, but she was feeling the pull to move west.

Once on the West Coast she soon met her first husband, Sydney Thorndycraft, at a dance. They married after a short courtship, and she was delighted to become an instant mom to Syd’s youngest—9 year old Sydney Thorndycraft Jr. Her pride and joy was their home at 2820 Marine Drive in West Vancouver.

After Syd Sr’s passing, Osa met her second husband, Robert Roberts, a photographer. They ran a photography studio, with Osa working as a skilled colourist, and later they had a bridal shop for many years in Vancouver.

Upon Robert’s passing, she found a lovely apartment on the Capilano River. Another new beginning was hard, but our sociable grandma found many new friends in the building and on the path along the river. Her grandchildren marvelled at her excellent health well into her 90’s and she amused us with tales of her long walks every day on the river path or ocean beaches.

It was on the river path that she met William (Bill) Forster. They became good friends and life partners after his wife’s passing. She moved into Amica in West Vancouver with Bill and later to White Rock. Once Bill took ill Osa returned to the North Shore. She lived her final years at Churchill House and Evergreen House where she passed away.

Osa was predeceased by her son Sydney Thorndycraft Jr, her grandson Victor Thorndycraft, and granddaughter Mary Thorndycraft.

Those who remain to remember Osa and her colourful life: Grandchildren of the Thorndycraft clan: Bruce (Concha), Lynne (Jim), Julie (Dan ),Vince (Gabe), and Tina (Walter). Great Grandchildren: Brook, Alex, Billie, Misha, Sasha, Tamara and Sydney. Brother-in-Law Allan (Marjorie) Cobbett, Daughter-in- Law Mary Thorndycraft, good friends Eve and Tova as well as relatives in Denmark Annettte Kier, Eva Noerlem and their families.

A heartfelt thank you to the people who have helped Osa over the years...you know who you are.

By request there will be no service.