Our dear mother Lillian Vivian Asselin (nee Rodegard), age 90 years, passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's Hospice on Saturday, Oct. 2.
She was born on March 30, 1920 at the family home in Morson, Ont., to the late Angelique and Edward Rodegard. As a young lady, Lillian and her sister Agnes worked with their parents at various tourist camps on Lake of the Woods. Their brothers Albert and Edward fished and trapped on the lake and worked with their Dad in the bush camps and on the steamboat. Mom had fond memories of her earlier years and found great joy in sharing funny stories with her children and grandchildren.
Lillian married Roland Asselin on May 19, 1948. Together they lived in Sleeman, Ont., and raised five children. As an accomplished baker and cook, Mom's specialties were apple pie, double chocolate chip cookies and world famous soups. Through the years, Lillian loved music, square dancing, sewing and quilting. But her happiest times were when she was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her yearly fishing vacation with her family was a much anticipated and treasured event.
Mom took great pride in her spiritual life and received her 40 year pin as a member of the Catholic Women's league in June 2009. At the age of 79, she went on a pilgrimage to The Holy Land with a group of Church members.
As a lady of unwavering faith, she handled life's trials with grace, determination and a whole lot of prayer. Mom celebrated every day with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. For the past 17 years, Lillian lived at Manion Court, Thunder Bay. It was there that she formed new friendships while socializing and playing Bingo.
Recently, Mom has been at St. Joseph's Hospital (Hospice Unit). The family would like to take this time to thank all the wonderful staff for their caring and compassion.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Joyce Lowe (Melvin) of Dryden, Marilyn Hnatiuk (Joe) of Winnipeg, Rhonda Tetreault (Marc) of Thunder Bay, and sons David Asselin of Calgary. and Duane Asselin (Kim) of Thunder Bay. Also cherishing “Grandma's” memory will be her 9 grandchildren Christine, Tracey, Eric, David, Megan, Jordan, Darren, Ryan and Jesse. She also leaves nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Lillian is survived by her older brother Albert Rodegard and his wife Anne also of Thunder Bay.
She was predeceased by her sister Agnes Chrysler; her parents; her brother Ed Rodegard and his wife Mary and a niece Donna Rodegard.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Lillian Asselin will be held on Thursday, Oct. 7 with family and friends gathering at St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 1 p.m.
Interment to follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Westfort Chapel, 420 Gore St. West at James with Vigil Prayers offered at 7 p.m.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Lillian to St. Joseph's Care Group – Hospice Unit or the CNIB would be greatly appreciated.
Please sign the online condolences at http://everestofthunderbay.com
