Lillian is survived by her only son Bryan Gilks and his caring partner Yvonne Schmitz.
Lillian is also survived by her sisters Mabel Hazard and Pearl Wolf; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was predeceased by her devoted husband Francis (Frank) Gilks who passed away on July 31, 1986 at the age of 61 years. She is also predeceased by her sisters Myrtle Lavallee and Margaret Ferriere, and brother, Robert Sleeth.
Lillian was born October 6, 1924 in Fertility, Alberta. She moved to Calgary in order to pursue a career in nursing at the Holy Cross Hospital. She married Frank Gilks from Coronation, Alberta in 1949 and in 1950 had a son. Lillian continued to work in the nursing field during the sixties and seventies. She retired in the early eighties to be a caregiver for her husband.
Lillian was an active volunteer with the Legion’s Poppy Fund. She was a Past President of the ANAF Ladies Auxiliary. Lillian attended the FLC Conversation Café where she met a new set of friends - both online and in-person. Lillian participated in weekly Skype calls with Roger and Gerald Schmitz. She most enjoyed groaner jokes and cat impressions. In September 2020, Lillian was given the opportunity to participate online in gentle fitness, art and music therapy programs through the Brenda Strafford Foundation. Over the years, the most memorable events were family dinners with nieces, nephews and gatherings with friends.
It is important to acknowledge the dedication of her agency caregiver Marilena. Also, the ER and ortho teams at the Rockyview Hospital are to be complimented for providing Lillian with excellent palliative care in August 2022.
A Private Graveside Service was held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Queen’s Park Cemetery.
For those wishing to pay their respects to Lillian, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Foster's Garden Chapel.
For information regarding the live streaming please contact Foster’s Garden Chapel.
If friends and family so desire, donations may be made directly to the Brenda Strafford Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary in lieu of flowers.
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