Lillian E. Lewko

Lillian Edna Lewko

It is with great sadness that the family of Lillian (Lill) Edna Lewko announce her passing at the age of 84 on April 13, 2023 in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia.

Lillian was born on January 4, 1939 in Melfort, Saskatchewan to Howard and Dott Nichols.  Her childhood years were spent on the farm near Star City, Saskatchewan.  She loved the farm life, especially the animals and her horse. During her early teens the farm was sold and the family moved to Melfort where her Dad bought a local hotel and ran that for several years. They then moved to Ridgedale where the family bought and ran the meat market. City living was not for Lillian and she became a little wild and rebellious. Lillian then moved to Prince Albert in the mid 1950's and worked for Burkitts Flowers. She had a talent for flower arranging, and a love of gardening. Her home was always filled with fresh and dried flower arrangements. She was also a lover of all things in nature, especially birds. Lillian was also an excellent seamstress. Her children were often seen wearing "creations by Lillian". In her later years, quilting was a favorite past time with many family and friends receiving the gift of a quilt or other special sewing project. Lillian also loved singing and had a very beautiful voice. Lillian enjoyed curling and worked as a Home Support worker in Qualicum during the 1980s.

In 1958 Lillian met John Lewko at a dance hall northwest of  Prince Albert and married him on October 18. They spent the first few months of their married life in Winnipeg where their oldest child Marie was born. After one cold winter there they decided to move west to Vancouver, BC in May of 1959 where Bill, David, Andy and Kathy were born. In 1973 they moved to Qualicum Beach and lived there until moving to Kelowna in 1992. In 2020 Lillian decided to return "home" to Qualicum Beach where she resided until her death.

Lillian is survived by her children; Marie (Fred) Grono, Bill (Sheryl Ann Vanderheide), David (Alison Lobe Mclean), Andy (Anne McIntosh), Kathy (Brent) Deering and her oldest daughter Cathy Mellett (Nancy McKinnell) who she joyfully reunited with in 1996. Her grandchildren; Jodi (Jon Coles), Eric (Ilona) Grono, Amanda (Gabe) Natarellii, Ethan Lewko, Samantha Lewko (Mark Hester) and Robert Lewko. Step grandchildren; Morgan (Melanie) Grono and Bree Grono (Russell Roy). Great grandchildren; Jaxson Lewko, Leah Rose Hester, Anson Grono. Step great grandchildren; Charley Grono, Skyler Roy, Mika Grono and Sasha Grono.

Lillian is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, brother-in-law Robert (Lesia) Lewko, sister-in-law Tillie (Peter) Arabsky and sister-in-law Katherine Lewko.

The family would like thank The Gardens 3rd Floor nursing team and care staff for their friendship, care and compassion provided to our Mom.

A celebration of Lillian's life will be held at a later date to be determined by the family. Her final resting place will be Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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