Obituary of Lillian Cunningham

Lillian Cunningham of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at the age of 75 years. Lillian was born July 30, 1941 in Empress, Alberta to Adolf and Irma Frank. They lived and farmed in the Acadia Valley district until 1944 when they moved to the farm near Edberg. Lillian was the youngest of five siblings and found her joy in working with her mother, farm life, family and the animals that were always drawn to her kind and gentle way. Lillian took all of her schooling in Edberg through grade 12. It was during that time that she met Roy at a dance at the Heather Brae hall in the fall of 1959. They were married two years later on November 10, 1961 and moved a house onto Roy's farm next door to his parents. They welcomed three girls in the years that followed; Elaine, Linda and Gail. It was on the farm with her family where Lillian found her deepest joy in the simplest things in life. Her husband, children, grandchildren, home and garden were where her heart lay. Her grandchildren were everything to her and she spent countless hours baking, reading, watching their sports or just cuddling on the couch with each of them. She especially cherished the times they would come and stay over night and share some special time with her. No matter how much mess was made, how loud they played or what they needed, Grandma was there and loved every second. Her wants were simple, she was ever patient, kind and loving. Roy and Lillian worked side by side together on the farm until 2004 when they moved to their current home in Camrose. Regardless of where they lived, Lillian turned every house into a home, welcoming family and friends and always insisting you stay for coffee and a bite to eat. Lillian loved nothing more than having her table full of people and being able to feed them something she had made. No one ever left her home hungry or with out a warm hug. Lillian will be remembered above all for her abundant kindness and gentle warmth. She was deeply loved by all that knew her. Left to cherish her memory are husband Roy; children Elaine Cunningham of Banff, Linda (Ron) Pederson of Bawlf, Gail (Calvin) Flemming of Kelsey; five grandchildren Raelyn, Riley and Justin Pederson, Grayce and Shaye Flemming; brother Irvin (Pat) Frank of Camrose. She was predeceased by her parents Adolf and Irma Frank; sisters Elsie Sikstrom, Agnes Sikstrom and Selma Carter. A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2017, from Camrose United Church with Rev. Mary Ann Pastuck and Rev. Liz Carter-Morgan officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to St. Mary's Hospital - Unit 2 Palliative Care , or to the charity of one's choice.