Tribute

 “A life well-lived, A woman well-loved”

A long-time resident of Osoyoos, Lillian Wells, passed away as she began her 101st year. An Aide at her residence at Mariposa Gardens described Lillian as a graceful, elegant lady with a warm sense of humour and a caring nature for those around her. Lillian recently celebrated her 100th Birthday with three parties and she received over 100 congratulatory cards and letters, a testament to how well she was loved and admired by her family, friends and community.

Lillian was born on a homestead near Paynton, SK, to Frederick and Mary Slaney. She was predeceased by her brother Murray (1993) and sisters Mary (1962), Florence (1986), and Mildred (2003). After 57 years of marriage, she was predeceased by her husband, George, in 1996. Lillian is survived by her son Terry (Halina) and granddaughter Lindsey (Ryan) Topp and son Stewart (Martha) and grandchildren Taryn (Ian) Brown and Spencer (Jane). She also leaves four adoring great grandchildren: Branden, Jordan, Vienna and Cielle and special nieces Cheryl Watts and Vivien Swemmer.

In 1936, Lillian left the prairies and sailed into Penticton aboard the M.V. Pentowna. Lillian was to care for an ailing grandmother and she decided to stay and make the South Okanagan her home. She took employment in fruit packinghouses, shoe stores and in housekeeping and childcare. In 1939 she married the dashing George Wells and they spent the W.W. II years in Vancouver, where George helped build ʻLiberty Shipsʼ in the war effort. Son Terry was born in 1940 and Stewart in 1945. After returning to the

Okanagan, an opportunity for George to become the Agent for Home Oil Distributors lead the family to move to Osoyoos in the spring of 1953. Lillian became the bookkeeper/accounts manager for Home Oil until 1972. This was the heady time of rapid economic development for Osoyoos and as business leaders and community volunteers. Lillian and George developed life-long friends and became pillars of the growing community.

Lillian played an active role in:

 – raising funds and volunteering in establishing the International Curling Club.

 – operating and co-managing the United Church Thrift Shop and establishing a fund for the purchase of the stained glass window.

 – overseeing the daily opening and closing of the Osoyoos Museum and the recruitment of volunteers.

 – supporting the activities of the new Osoyoos Golf Course as a Charter Member.

Retirement led to many travel opportunities: Hawaii, Mexico, Amsterdam, South Africa, Pacific and Alaskan cruises and many winter golf vacations in California and Arizona.

Besides a flare for gardening, Lillian was an avid golfer and bridge player and her pastry creations (lemon meringue pies) were the envy of the block. Recently she has been singing and humming folk songs and ʻoldiesʼ….even in the dentistʼs chair. So weʼll close this tribute by having Lillian singing to all of her family and friends:

 “Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, Have A Wonderful Day!”

Lillian: Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt and Friend, you will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered.

A private service will be held at a later date to celebrate Lillianʼs life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian's name to the Osoyoos Museum Society Legacy Fund would be greatly appreciated as she spent many happy years volunteering her time and talent there. Osoyoos Museum, PO Box 791, Osoyoos, BC V0H1V0.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos