Obituary of Lillian Bietz

With great sadness and love, the family of Lillian Bietz announces her passing on Saturday, March 28th, 2009 at the age of 84. Our mother was born Lillie Hannelore Horn near Vulcan, Alberta to a homesteading family. Her character was forged by the untimely death of her parents and two older brothers prior to her seventeenth year. In the face of her loss, she completed high school in High River, Alberta and entered Calgary Normal School during World War Two. By 1944, she was the sole teacher in a one room schoolhouse north of Irvine, Alberta. She married Harvey Bietz in 1946 and together they raised four sons. Our lives will be forever inspired by the example of Lil’s unconditional love, her wisdom, grace and generosity, and by her selflessness, and amazing strength and patience in raising her four boys through all the adventures she and Harvey shared with them. Lil will be fondly remembered by a wide circle of friends for her compassion, loyalty and fun loving spirit, and for her contribution to many community service organizations throughout her adult life. Lillian is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her four devoted sons Don (Sandy), Gerry (Dot)), Allan (Joan), and Robert (Jill); grandchildren Sara, Jocelyn, Jeff, Tim, Blaire, Josh, Michela, Kyle, and Curtis. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Patricia Bietz and her sister Margaret Mansell of Edmonton; as well as Margaret’s family Judy, Greg (Ivy) their daughter Erin, and Douglas (Bonnie). Lillian was predeceased by her husband Harvey in 1994. A very special thank you to the staff of the Agape Hospice, for providing a beautiful sanctuary for our mother during her final journey. A Celebration of Lillian’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 2:00p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588. In living memory of Lillian Bietz a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.