March 17/31 to December 31/21
On Christmas night, Lilly said that if she wasn’t here in the morning she would be in a better place. On New Year’s Eve she went, leaving a huge hole in the hearts of many and in our home. We had the privilege of caring for her at home with support teams, co-ordinated by Dr. Shira Thomas. Hospice Wellington took her through the final days of her journey.
Lilly wanted to be with her husband , Heman Reid, her mother, Janie Shears (Wight) and father, Chesley Shears. She is predeceased by brothers Ches (Patty) and George (Emily, d) as well as sisters June Vernon and Doris Long. Her remaining sister is Sue Barrett.
Lilly is deeply mourned by her daughter Lorna (AndyThompson), son Bruce (Antoinette), grandchildren Jessica Reid, Lindsay Reid (Kevin), Caitlin Harvey (Graeme), Hayley Francis (Brandon), Madison Kwiczala (Kyle), Brandon Reid (Lydia), Jacqueline Coe (Sean) and great grandchildren Ella and Eva Coe and Myles Harvey. Remembered fondly by Don, Norma and Dorothy Francis (Mark) as well as many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Lilly was born in beautiful Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and attended teachers college at Memorial University in St. John’s. On her return, the family immediately moved to a farm in Ontario. Without time to obtain her Ontario teaching qualifications, she had to find a job to help support the family.
Lilly married Heman, of Lady Cove NL in 1951 and acquired a large second family which she remained close to right to the end. She was predeceased by brothers-in-law Ern (Maude), Ron (Gertie, d), Allan and Clayton, sisters-in-law Viola, Marjorie and Amy (Ron, d). She will be missed by Hedley (Evelyn), Elsie (Arnold, d), Ivy (Bram, d), Minnie (Don, d), Phyllis (Warren), Wilf (Lyn Ann), Linda (Allister), Betty (Calvin), Rick (Cindy) and Nellie (Mike).
Lilly always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Even when she had very little, she shared that with those in more need. Lilly held a leadership role in the family upholstery business, in her church and in our families. She ensured that family members here and in Newfoundland had opportunities that they would not otherwise have had. Lilly’s love language was food and feeding people was her pleasure.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel in Guelph.
A private remembrance and interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery in Concord where Heman and her mother rest. A tree will be planted at the University of Guelph Arboretum where a memorial picnic will take place in the spring or summer when we can gather safely outside.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to Hospice Wellington or Guelph Humane Society.