Mrs. Lily Pearl Hansen Zopf

Lily Zopf (nee Hansen), of Assiniboia, SK., passed away October 3, 2010. Lily Pearl Hansen was born December 9, 1927 to Neils and Nannie Hansen on the family farm, four miles south of Rockglen, SK, twin of Rose. Lily grew up on the farm with her sisters Eva, Nannie, Rose and brother Dan. She attended Wheat Bench School and finished Grade X. It was here that Lily and her look-alike twin, Rose, would switch seats in the double desk . . . just to make the teacher’s life more interesting. It was also here that she cultivated the love of the game of softball. On June 2, 1947, Lily married Mike Zopf and they made their home on a farm in the hills five miles southeast of Rockglen. Here they lived, loved and farmed together. She grew large gardens, helped Mike haul grain, overhaul machinery and build a new house in 1960. Lily was happiest working outside as Mike’s right-hand man. Lily was also an excellent cook and baker and they were well known for their delicious homemade sausage. In 1973, Lily and Mike sold their farm and moved to their new home in Assiniboia. She remained in this home until January of this year when illness and accidents forced her into hospital and then to the Ross Payant Nursing Home. Their home in Assiniboia created fond memories for family and friends, who gathered for visiting, meals and many good card games. In their retirement, Lily and Mike traveled, going on bus and train trips to destinations in Canada and the United States, but she was always happiest being at home. Lily’s pride in her family was obvious. She loved them all so very much. She kept track of birthdays, anniversaries and deaths and had a great memory. Lily had beautiful hand-writing and kept in touch writing letters with several far away relatives. After moving to Assiniboia, Lily joined the Housewives Bowling League and won many trophies in tournaments around Saskatchewan. All family members and friends have several pieces of her lovely crochet work, which she also gave to fortunate recipients and sold in local craft fairs. She liked to play bingo and do crossword puzzles. She was a bird and cat lover, as was known to have a pet gopher, Gerry, who came when she called. Lily was a woman of strong faith, who never complained, took everything in stride and was also member of the C.W.L. Predeceased by her parents, Niels and Nannie; her husband Mike (1990); siblings: Eva Kleinfelder, Nannie Bloom, Dan Hansen and three in their infancy, Lily is survived by two children Pat & Grant Hall of Assiniboia, Don & Dorothy Zopf of Saskatoon; four grandchildren Jeff & Brenda Hall, Lana & Ed Bosch all of Drumheller; Tricia & friend Dan, Angela & Lyle Richards all of Saskatoon; eight great-grandchildren: Kayley, Kyle, Brady, Hannah, Abby, Emaley, Aiden and Ethan; twin sister Rose Taylor of Lumsden; sisters-in-law Penny Hansen, Hazel Zopf, Annie Knops, Mary Dayman and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Service was held on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 2:00 pm St George’s Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK. Father Joy Montiague officiated. Don and Pat placed the pall and Jeff lit the Pascal Candle. Pallbearers were nephews: Lenard Kleinfelder, Allan Knops, Barry Taylor, Ron Taylor, Blake Zopf, and Brett Flahr. Tribute was given by niece Joan Minter. Readers were George Marcenko, and Bernie Chevrier. Music Ministry was led by St. George’s Parish Choir. Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery. Donations in memory of Lily can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society – Saskatchewan Division. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.

A family poignant quote “. . . even if over the last few years she may not have remembered us . . . how frustrating that was to me, but how much more frustrating it must have been for her. I think she knew we belonged, she just didn’t always know why or how . . .”