Lilja Erikson

Lilja (Lil) passed away on February 21, 2023 at Langley Memorial Hospital. Her parents were Sigurdur and Eggertina Sigvaldason of Vidir, Manitoba. Lilja was the middle of five children, Ingibjorg Elmhirst, Arlief Calvert and Sveinn Sigvaldason who are deceased and Elin Moore.

Lilja married Peter Aksel Jens Erikson, also of Vidir on June 2, 1949. Peter passed away on August 27, 1993. They had five children: Karen (Emil Johnson), Julie (Gordon Young), Ivan (Gillian), Karl (Annie) and Janet. She is survived by loving grandchildren: Natasha (Nathan), Peter, Travis (Alix), Bernadette (Steve), Josh (Sara), Dale, Lindsay (Mike), Abigail and several great grandchildren: Tyler, Leo, Freyja, Stevie, Beck, Beau, Kenzie, Kaliyah and Kayden as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lil attended school in Vidir before going to boarding school in Teulon, Manitoba for Grade 11 and 12 where she won the Governor General’s Medal and a scholarship. After a year of teacher training in Winnipeg she taught for a few years at a near-by school in Lowland MB while starting a new life with Peter on their new farm. Lil was actively involved in the operation of the farm as well as in the community. She taught many young women to sew as a leader in the Vidir 4H Club. Lil and Peter were also involved in the activities at Vidir Hall even running a film night for a few years. Lil and Peter moved to Coquitlam, British Columbia in 1969 so that they could be closer to Janet when she attended Jericho School for the Blind. They both enjoyed new careers – Lil as an office assistant and Peter as a carpenter.

Even before leaving the farm they spent a lot of time at the family cabin on Lake Winnipeg as well as camping trips around the country. Camping and exploring BC, especially the back roads, was a huge part of their lives as well as numerous trips to other countries. They also spent time travelling up and down the BC coast on their boat the L.L. Marie. Lil continued her love of travel after Peter died.

Lil moved to Maple Ridge after Peter died and became very involved in their quilt guild, meeting new friends and passing on her love of quilting by teaching many of its members. She helped to form Legacy Quilts which donated quilts to many groups in the community. Her sense of colour and use of unusual fabrics amazed everyone. Her grandchildren treasure the time spent with Lil, learning to sew along with creating many craft projects. She provided a very supportive and loving environment for her grandchildren. Lil spent her last years in Langley, BC living with her granddaughter Abigail and enjoying time with her.

Lil was very impressed with and appreciative of all the care she received from the many doctors, nurses, technicians and staff who participated in all aspects of her care. A memorial celebration will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the BC Cancer Foundation.