Lillian WIGHT

WIGHT, Lillian Beatrice
Lillian Wight passed away peacefully on September 28, 2011. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Marilyn Loree (Hal), Kenneth Wight (Carol Moores) and Keith Wight (Sue); grandson Michael Neumann (Debbie), granddaughter Michelle Neumann (Duane Kugelstadt), grandson Geoff Loree, step-grandsons Craig and Greg Williams, and great-grandchildren, Shuai Kugelstadt, Ashley Neumann, Dustin and Brandon Ratcliffe, and Gabe Loree; sister Helen (Harold) Hammond of Bowmanville Ontario; sister-in-law Lois Lord (Bob) of Calgary; and brother-in-law John Wight, of Hughenden; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lillian is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Alex Wight (October 2000) and her parents.
Lillian was born in Bowmanville, Ontario to Beatrice and Orville K. Osborne. As a child she loved life on the farm. She began playing the piano at an early age and at age nine was playing for her father, who had won a gold medal at Toronto Exhibition in 1933 for his bass solo "Two Grenadiers". Lillian and her father performed often at home and school meetings, farm forums and church anniversary services. Lillian treasured these times and was an accomplished pianist, playing often over the years at school operettas, school concerts, family gatherings and at home for pleasure.
As a teenager she particularly looked forward to Monday night ball games in the school yard or a walk along the railway tracks to meet her new found friend, a young man from the west who eventually became her husband.
Lillian graduated with Honours from Bowmanville High School in 1946; earned Grade 8 Conservatory of Music and attended Peterborough Normal School. She taught in Hamilton and Bowmanville. Her first teaching assignment was 41 students in Grade 2.
In 1949, Lillian and Alex were married and moved to Hughenden, Alberta to farm. In the fall of 1951 they relocated to Edmonton with dreams and aspirations, lived their lives and raised their family. They enjoyed traveling, gardening, camping, golfing, archery, music and their cottage. She taught private music lessons and attended night school and summer school at the University of Alberta earning a Bachelor of Education degree and a Graduate Diploma in School Libraries. Lillian enjoyed a varied teaching career with Edmonton Public Schools as a music teacher, classroom teacher, librarian and consultant. Prior to retiring in 1989 Lillian was principal of Clara Tyner school. She contributed in many ways to the students, staff and parents and the community.
During retirement years Lillian and Alex continued time together at the cottage and traveling adventures. They spent winters in Arizona, travelled to Alaska, Yukon, England and savoured the beauty of Canada from coast to coast. All the while visiting with family, rekindling connections with relatives, old friends and new. It was during this time Lillian developed a passion for genealogy, delving into our family history and for a time was editor of Alberta Genealogical Society bulletin, Relatively Speaking. She continued to be active in the Women's Canadian Club, the Canadian College of Teachers, and was a faculty consultant at the University of Alberta.
Lillian moved to Riverbend Retirement Residence in the fall of 2003 where she established new friendships, and began new adventures. Music continued to be a major part of her enjoyment, listening to the Swiss Men's choir, the Philharmonic orchestra, productions at the Winspear, and at times playing the grand piano in the dining room. While she golfed her last game at Ross Haven golf course in her 79th year, she followed professional golf on TSN. She was admired by other residents who watched her go out walking on a daily basis in all sorts of weather. She watched for the neighbourhood jack rabbit and took relish in the fledgling robins each spring. A tranquil week-end visit to the cottage in August this year, Lillian now 82, brought her great joy.
Lillian, a realist embracing every day with a smile, will be remembered always for her quiet strength, her gentle manner, and her candour. A lady who took great pleasure in nature and sharing time with her family and friends. She modelled a profound sense of integrity, honesty and cultivated a strong bond with her family and close friends. These last few months mom "slowed down" and became very quiet, however she accepted her health challenges with grace and dignity. Her journey in life fulfilled; lived without regret.
The family expresses sincere appreciation and gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency centre, Station 43 for their care, and to all the staff members and volunteers at the Edmonton General Hospital Palliative Care 9Y for providing comfort and compassionate care to Lillian during her final days.
Cremation has taken place. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A family gathering will take place on October 2, 2011, at the Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home, 10011 - 114 Street. Lillian's final resting place will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Edmonton next to her beloved.
If desired donations may be made in memory of Lillian to a charity of one's choice, or the Parkinson Alberta Society, 3Y18, General Hospital, 11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4.
To send condolences, please visit: www.fostermcgarvey.com
Foster and McGarvey Funeral Home
Downtown Chapel
780-428-6666
Over 80 years of Service