Lilian DICK

DICK, Mary Lilian (nee Jacklin)
August 22, 1927 – April 27, 2013
Lilian Dick, beloved Mom and Nana, passed away peacefully in Calgary at the age of 85 after more than a year of battling the repercussions of a series of strokes. She was predeceased by adored husband Thomas Dick in 1999. Lilian is dearly missed by daughters Susan Teminsky and Nancy Jacklin; their husbands, Garth Teminsky and Chris Bunce; and five grandchildren, Megan, Hannah, and Mark Teminsky, and Louise and Owen Bunce, all of Calgary. Lilian, only child of George and Laura Jacklin, grew up in Clandonald, Alberta and then Victoria, B.C. She attended Victoria College and UBC, earning a Bachelor of Social Work. University summers Lilian cherished working at the dining room at the Chateau Lake Louise and never lost her love of the mountains. She worked at the Calgary Family Service Bureau for over 30 years, during which time she earned her MSW at the age of 50, and later taught at the University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work. While in Vancouver, Lilian met the love of her life, Tommy, where they were married February 20, 1954. Ever the adventurers, they moved to Calgary in 1956 to run a window business. Tom's mother, Clara, and stepfather, Sandor Adam, soon joined them from Hungary in 1957. In 1959, Susan was born and by 1960 the three of them went on the highlight of Lil's life, a year long trip all around Europe. During their return trip it was decided that Tom would fulfill his dream of going to U of A Law School (graduating at the age of 42). Mid undergrad, in 1963, Nancy was born. In 1967 the family of four moved into the much-loved Scarboro house. In 1978 they bought their beloved cabin where they spent as much time as they could. Lilian lived an incredibly fulfilling life, engaging cherished friends in all her varied and remarkable interests. She was a member of the Calgary Women's Literary Club (in existence since 1906) for 54 years, until one month before she died. Lil and Tom had a lively tennis community through the Elbow Park Tennis Club, where they belonged for over 40 years. Lilian traveled extensively, with Tom and after his passing, visiting 49 countries and having many "trips of a lifetime". She thoroughly enjoyed serving on the University of Calgary Senate. Lil was well known for her gourmet dinner parties and her annual sing-along Christmas parties. She also enjoyed her singing group get-togethers, Scottish Country dancing, working out with a personal trainer at Talisman, Sweet Adeline's, attending opera, concerts, and theatre, playing piano, and enjoying books, music, and cooking. We are all missing you terribly, Mom, but are comforted by the relief that your valiant battle is done and you need not suffer any longer. Thank you to staff and all who came to visit and entertain Mom at the Fanning Centre and George Boyack Nursing Home. Special thanks to Eugene Cramer whose faithful and cheerful daily visits and newspaper deliveries kept Mom engaged and contented, even during her most difficult days. Thanks also to Kathy David, our friend and lifeline, who, as an RN and private geriatric specialist, lovingly cared for Mom. Her compassion and nurturing touch are a gift. Thanks also to EMS, Foothills Hospital, Fanning Centre, George Boyack Nursing Home, Peter Lougheed Centre and finally Rockyview General Hospital. Your patience, kindness and professional involvement are very much appreciated. A celebration of Lilian's life will be held today, May 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Calgary, Rozsa Centre, Husky Oil Great Hall. Please bring short stories about Lilian to share at the memorial. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Lilian Dick, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.