Lillian Mavis Horning

Lillian was born in 1931 to a farming family near Simpson, Saskatchewan, and moved to Regina in her late teens. Confident, capable, and adventurous, she embraced a changing world where, as she liked to say, “anything was possible.” Her varied career reflected that spirit: she began as a gun-toting teller at the Royal Bank, worked in offices and courtrooms, and spent time in Edmonton with the newly formed GMAC. Known for her poise and sense of style, she co-founded a modelling and etiquette school in Regina that helped young women transition from farm life to professional city work.

In the 1950s, when CKCK became Saskatchewan’s first television station, Lillian joined the front office. She was soon on-screen five mornings a week as “Miss Lillian,” hosting the live children’s show, Romper Room.

In 1962, she married Jack Horning, also of Simpson, SK. They lived in Rosetown, where both children were born, then moved to Saskatoon, where Lillian worked for the Canada Winter Games - launching a long career in sports and event administration. She later spent two decades in Regina as office manager and bookkeeper for her beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, and also worked with the Western Canada Summer Games and the Saskatchewan Pavilion at Expo 86. In her personal life, she was an enthusiastic hockey mom, a Girl Guide leader, and a gracious host, always ready with tea and fresh-baked treats.

After retiring, Jack and Lillian moved to Parksville, BC, where they created a beautiful home and became deeply involved in their community. Lillian particularly valued her participation in Eastern Star, Knox United Church, and Quilters Guild. After Jack’s death in 2015, Lillian moved to Qualicum Beach.

Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Jenny Mae (Simpson) Senton; her brothers, Claude and Glenwood (Lucy); and her devoted husband of 52 years, Jack Emerson Horning. She is survived by her daughter Jill and son-in-law Keith Bertrand of California; her son Warden and daughter-in-law Carrie McLellan of Edmonton; and her four grandchildren, Jack and Alexander Bertrand and Scott and Laurel Horning. She will be dearly missed by a wide circle of relatives and friends.

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place on March 27, 2026 (11:00 a.m.) at Yates Memorial Services in Parksville, BC. Interment: this summer in Simpson, SK (TBD).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honour to the Shriners of BC & Yukon Child Services Society at: https://bcshriners.com/donate-now/