Obituary of Lillian Bernice WHITESIDE (nee Goodman)

October 13, 1927 – Winnipeg, Manitoba   
December 23, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Lillian Whiteside (nee Goodman) passed away peacefully at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, AB on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 92 years young.

Lillian had the great joy of spending the last year and half of her life with her new friends & the caring staff at Trinity Lodge Retirement Home.  Lil was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 13, 1927. The second oldest of five children, she was charged with caring for her younger siblings at age fifteen after the passing of her Mother. She graduated from United College (later University of Winnipeg) with honors.  Lillian taught kindergarten while raising their four children and entertaining their wide circle of friends, living in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. Later, in 1973, the couple moved to Whytewold Beach, Manitoba, where they owned and operated a thriving general store. Lil’s legendary baking, aged beef, and top notch service assured a loyal and bustling clientele for their twenty-seven-year tenure.  Always very civic-minded and integral in her communities, she was known as someone who would advocate for any cause she believed in. She served on the board of directors at Gimli hospital and served as president of Acadia Community Association (with Al), volunteered for Calgary Police service and the Ogden Senior’s centre, as well as being an active representative for her neighbourhood.  Lillian was given the nickname “Diamond Lil”, due to her sparkling wit by her many friends. Always ready with a fresh one-liner, Lil loved to surprise and incite (usually laughter). She loved crossword puzzles, answering questions ahead of Jeopardy contestants, and reading voraciously. Above all, she adored spending time with her family and loved ones, who treasured her and her endless vivacity dearly.

She is survived by her brother Jon (Gail), as well as her own four children, Alex (Dodie), David (Peeter), JoAnn (Danny) and Bob (Lily); her three grandchildren, Blake (Andrea), Nicole (Chad) and Rachel (Nicholas); and her two great granddaughters, Arabelle and Esmeralda. Lil is predeceased by her husband Allan in1990, two brothers, Bob and Elmer; and her sister, Helen.

A Celebration of Lillian’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on January 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Lillian’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Trinity Lodge Retirement Centre, 1111 Glemore Trail SW, Calgary AB, T2V 4C9, Telephone; (403)253-7576.  

A tree will be planted in living memory of Lillian Whiteside. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.