Lillian Mary David Brooks

for some of life's disappointments. Later in life her favorite saying was “Live for today and when

tomorrow comes live for today again. This philosophy was a continual driving force in her life, but it

did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Lillian, something that was always there

and that she readily shared with everyone around her.

Her parents were Bertha and Ambroise David. Lillian was raised in Huntsville and Gorrie Ontario.

She was a compassionate person, a quality that she would carry with her throughout her life. Even at

a young age, Lillian was sensitive to her parents’ moods and worked hard to please them and live up

to their expectations.

Lillian was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around her. Lillian was raised with

11 siblings. She had 4 older brothers: Bill, Frank, Herold, Bob (Lillian); 6 younger Ernie, Eddie, Dorothy

(Hackett), Florence (Maxwell), Ivy (Monk) and Elsie (Willert). Lillian was constantly involved in

activities with her brothers and sisters. Lillian and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing

up, but they cared deeply for one another.

While those who did not know her well found Lillian to be somewhat reserved until they got to

know her, she was an authentic and devoted friend. Lillian was a tranquil person, with an easygoing

and open‐minded attitude towards life. She presented a pleasant face to the outside world. While

growing up, some of her best friends were her brothers and sisters. Later in life, she became friends

with Bill & Scotty Smith, Bill & Marg Toews, and Verona & Ray Ohman.

The desire for romance was always present in Lillian's life. Lillian cared passionately for Ronald.

Her deep loyalty and a strong commitment to her vows brought a sense of completeness to their

marriage.

Lillian was a gentle person who held deep feelings for her children. She enjoyed having fun with

her kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. She was blessed with 6 children, Mary

(deceased), David (deceased), Donna, Fred, Willie and Bertha. They were also blessed with 8

grandchildren, Lorna, Wanda, Tracy, Michael, April, Ron, Joey and Krystal.

Lillian’s working career was in going to individual homes to help out with new born babies and

keeping house. When she meet her husband Ronald she stayed home and enjoyed looking after her

own children.

Lillian enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were

knitting, quilting, crocheting, and later plastic canvas. Lillian was content to enjoy her hobbies alone

but she was also willing to share her interests with others.

Lillian's tremendous enthusiasm for the activities she enjoyed also influenced the pleasure she

drew from sports. Lillian enjoyed watching Figure skating, horse jumping and she watched hockey

with her husband Ronald until he passed away in 1991.

Being a selfless person, Lillian did not seek approval from her peers, but she valued the recognition

she received for her good deeds. Some of her most prestigious awards included square dancing.

Lillian enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for her to

kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included traveling

across the country to visit family.

Lillian passed away on February 5, 2016 at Dufferin Place in Nanaimo, BC. She is survived by

children: Donna Mae Brooks (Nanaimo BC); Fred Brooks (Vancouver Island, BC); Willie Brooks

(Merritt, BC) and Bertha Lillian Brooks (Nanaimo, BC). Fondly remembered by 8 Grandchildren, 15

Great‐Grand‐children and 2 Great‐Great Grandchildren. Also, remembered by sisters: Ivy Monk

(Durham, Ont) and Elsie Willert (Newstadt, Ont); brother Ernie David (Rodney, Ont) and Sister‐in‐law

Doris Line (Winnipeg, Man). Lillian was laid to rest in Courtenay Civic Cemetery beside her beloved

husband Ronald.

Lillian Brooks tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Lillian tried to focus on the good

she saw, knowing that there were times she would have to compromise. She was selfless and deeply

committed to family and friends. She was capable of having intuition at time. She was laid back and

easy going and always had a smile on her face. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve that

became Lillian's trademark qualities for all who knew her, and it was one of the many reasons why all

who knew her loved Lillian Brooks.

* * * * * * * * * *

Brooks, Lillian Mary (nee David)

1926-2016

Lillian Mary Brooks passed away on 5 February 2016 in her 89th year. Lillian was born in Lachine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada on 23 August 1926.

She moved with family from Quebec, then to Huntsville, and then to Gorrie where she was married to Ronald Brooks in 1949.

She lived across Canada as Ronald was in the Air Force. They were last stationed in Lazo Air Force Base on Vancouver Island. Retiring in Courtenay BC and they enjoyed many good retirement years.

Predeceased by: Daughter Mary Curnew; Son David Brooks; Brothers: Bill, Frank, Harold, Bob and Eddy David; Sisters Dorothy Hackett and Florence Maxwell.

Beloved wife of the late Ronald George Brooks. Dear mother of Donna Mae Brooks (Nanaimo BC); Fred Brooks (Vancouver Island, BC); Willie Brooks (Merritt, BC): Bertha Lillian Brooks (Nanaimo, BC). Fondly remembered by 8 Grandchildren, 15 Great-Grand-children and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Also, remembered by sisters: Ivy Monk (Durham, Ont) and Elsie Willert (Newstadt, Ont); brother Ernie David (Rodney, Ont) and Sister-in-law Doris Line (Winnipeg, Man).

A Memorial Service for Lillian will be held on Saturday February 27th, 2016 at 1:00pm at Piercy’s Funeral Home, 440 England Ave, Courtenay, BC.

If you are wishing to make a memorial donation in her name, please consider the Cancer Society.