Obituary of Lilian Frances Noble

NOBLE ~ Lilian Frances Noble passed away at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Lilian leaves to mourn her passing: three children: June (Keith) Thompson, Ed Noble and Angela (Dennis) Tosaki; seven grandchildren: Kelly Thompson (Adam LeClair), Tammy Thompson (David Wighton), Lee (Lana) Noble, Robin Noble (Chantel Walker), Rikki (Shannon) Ducharme, Randi Noble-Smith (Jesse Smith) and Kiana Tosaki; and five great grandchildren: Addysen Noble, Josie Ducharme, Halle Ducharme, Ellis Smith and Jenner Smith. Donations in memory of Lilian Noble may be made to the Hillmond Arena or Hillmond Memorial Hall. NOBLE: Lilian Frances Noble passed away at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Lilian leaves to mourn her passing three children: June (Keith) Thompson, Ed Noble, and Angela (Dennis) Tosaki; seven grandchildren: Kelly Thompson (Adam LeClair), Tammy Thompson (David Wighton), Lee (Lana) Noble, Robin Noble (Chantel Walker), Rikki (Shannon) Ducharme, Randi Noble Smith (Jesse Smith) and Kiana Tosaki; and five great grandchildren: Addysen Noble, Josie Ducharme, Halle Ducharme, Ellis Smith and Jenner Smith; brothers-in-laws Dick and Tom Noble; sisters-in-law Joan and Doris Noble; numerous relatives. Lily was predeceased by her husband Harold; her son Rickey; parents Samuel and Molly Munday; sisters Mary, Brenda, Joyce and Pat; brothers Eddie and Ken. Lilian was born in Gosport, England on June 30, 1920. She was the first generation of women to be called up to work in the factories. Lilian met Harold on a blind date arranged by a friend in February 1944. Soon after, Harold was sent to Europe, and they wrote many letters to each other (of course these were censored), but the courtship continued in this way. December 1, 1944 Harold returned to Gosport and on December 5 they were married. Forty-eight hours later Harold shipped out to India, a posting that lasted almost a year. In March 1946 Harold returned to Canada and Lily arrived in Saskatoon on May 26 (the first time she had seen Harold in civilian clothes). They moved to Twin Lakes. Their “made in England - delivered in Canada” daughter, June, was born September 3, 1946 followed by Ed in 1948, Rickey in 1953, and Angela in 1963. During the following years, they worked at the Selmer farm as well as on their own. Farming was tough and like all others they milked cows, raised chickens, and helped out at the Post Office which was moved from Twin Lakes to Hillmond and operated by Harold’s parents. In 1957 Harold and Lily also operated the North Star petroleum business in Hillmond for a few years until they purchased the Bob Brandt farm in about 1962 in the Twin Lakes area where they farmed and ranched with Ed and Ann and family until they moved to the Pioneer Lodge in February 2011. Lilian was a great community volunteer in many areas including 4-H, curling, hockey, square dancing, seniors society, winter games, crib tournaments and legion events. Both were involved in the construction and operation of the Hall, curling rink, arena and aeniors centre. Lily was a member of the Arenettes and the Hillmond Hall Committee. The memorial service for Lilian was conducted from Hillmond Memorial Hall on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 1:00 pm with Joyce Dickson officiating. Randi Noble Smith sang “Danny Boy”. Kelly and Tammy Thompson gave the eulogy as follows: In the immortal words of Lily Noble: “Shup you!” When my friends ask me about Grandma Lil I tell them she won the lottery – not the actual one, but god knows she tried! She was 95 years young, healthy almost all of those years, and married to the love of her life for nearly 70 of them. And in fact Grandma Lil passed away on the morning of what would have been their 71st Anniversary. Quite a fitting day for their reunion when you think about it. So… today really is a chance for us to celebrate her total awesomeness. We’ve put together some Lessons from Lil. Lesson 1: Fashion… Grandma had a massive garden at the farmhouse, one my cousins likely spent more time in than they care to remember. If you were driving by the farm in the right weather, you were entirely likely to get an eyeful of Lil in her short shorts and tube top – or a bra if she was kicking if up a notch. We judged the outfit of the day by the number of honks from any given trucker. The takeaway: It is perfectly appropriate to garden in whatever you damn well please. Lesson 2: Swimming with Sharks… We grew up as part of the Jaws generation. For those of you not blessed by 1970’s special effects, suffice it to say I was absolutely terrified of sharks – who the hell lets a 10-year-old go to a movie like that alone (Keith!)? On one of the many occasions Grandma and Grandpa were at the lake, they were watching me get ready to go waterskiing. Always supportive, my clearest memory laying back in the water waiting to take off was Lil’s voice saying “don’t let a shark bite your wiener schnitzel off!”. I’ve never been the same. The takeaway: Grandchildren can also be used for general entertainment purposes. Lesson 3: Kidnapping… We’ll never know exactly what Grandpa told Grandma Canada really looked like. If you accept Grandma’s version, it was something slightly different than the “godforsaken hinterland” that welcomed her when she got off the train, pregnant with June. But this strong, independent woman wouldn’t let a lack of indoor plumbing spoil the vision of her Little House on the Prairie. The takeaway: Home is where the heart is. Lesson 4: Vitamin D… So, my cousins are awesome. When Adam and I got married, we decided it would be in Palm Springs, California. Against all sense and better judgment the cousins loaded Lil up, stuffed her on a plane and included her in the festivities. There was a number of problems with this – first, she stole the show by dancing all of us under the table. Second, as you may know, Lil very much likes her sunshine. The problem? Lil was not supposed to be in the sun due to some medication she was on. Well, that made the pool party a challenge. But Lil met her match in my friend Mike, who is a paramedic and outweighs Grandma by roughly 3 to 1. There was no need for entertainment, because for the next three hours we just listened to the negotiations of a 93 year old woman and one tough paramedic. “Mike I think those 15 minutes are UP”. “No Lil, it’s not time yet, I will move the umbrella when it is”. “Mike, time is up – I’m sure!”. And so on and so on and so on until the sun set behind the mountains!! The takeaway: Lil’s love of sun is greater than anyone on earth’s willpower. Lesson 5: Time is Relative… Speaking of the cousins and the trip to Palm Springs – the plane took off and the beverage cart was coming down the aisle offering juice, coffee, tea etc. at about 9:20 am. When they got to her she declared she would like a red wine. They laughed and said while they liked her style, they didn’t usually serve that until after 10 am. No matter – the flight attendant ran back and got her a red wine on the house, then for rest of the flight kept coming back to check on her. She had the passengers and the attendants roaring the whole flight. The takeaway: Rules are merely suggestions! Lesson 6: Dazzle ‘em… When I was 9 or 10, Grandma taught me a saying I’m sure many of you heard come across her lips: Speaking from a diabolical point of view, I consider your mental facilities insufficiently developed to cope with my bombastical play of eloquence. I think she used it as a warm-up in the morning. The takeaway: Probably enough said. Lesson 7: How to be a Diva… It’s Friday, and we all know what that means! It was time to go to town and set Lil loose on the unsuspecting residents of Lloydminster. First, and most important, was always the hair. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know too many people who had better hair than Lil in all of her blond glory. The day normally proceeded to the bank and the mall, where Lil would hold court with anyone and everyone who would listen! Harold was merely the chauffeur. The takeaway: Fabulous has no expiry date. Lesson 8: A way with words… When I was finishing up high school, I was trying to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. One of the possible routes was pilot training with the Air Force, and an aeronautical engineering degree. I went through the basic tests to qualify and all went well except one big problem: I was too tall. Specifically, my legs were too long. Grandpa was interested in the process of course, and asked lots of questions. In only the way Lil can, she condensed the story for ALL of you down to this: “I was too long from here to here and couldn’t eject.” The takeaway: Always know where your closest emergency exit is. Lesson 9: Viagra… We were watching a little football one afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa. A commercial came on and the commentator said “If your erection lasts more than four hours call a doctor”. Lil said “Call the doctor?! I’m calling the neighbors!” The takeaway: Never underestimate the sass of a woman in her 90’s. Well I guess there is a pretty clear theme here, and that’s how much fun Grandma Lil really was. She was the life of every party, the love of Grandpa’s life, a beloved sister and a doting Great Grandma. She is our favorite English export and we are incredibly thankful she took that big adventure in 1946 and gave us all the gift of a big, loving family. That family was with her until the very end, by her side holding her hand – and we want to thank you all for your caring, especially those of you who watched over her these last days, months and even years. The last thing I have from Grandma is my wedding card. She wrote “My love & best wishes, forever & always. The greatest party in 2013 Grandpa missed, but I danced & drank for both of us!” Grandma, we know you are in Harold’s arms again, dancing the night away. Grandma, in your words “love ya and leave ya.” Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Pioneer Lodge, Home Care, Dr. Cooke Extended Care, the doctors and nursing staff of the Lloydminster Hospital, and especially to Dr. Snyman. Thank you to Joyce Dickson and Heidi Hougham for the beautiful service and music, and to the members of the Hillmond Hall Committee for the lovely luncheon. To the many family and fiends who attended the funeral, sent flowers and cards, donations, food and visited - thank you. We were overwhelmed by the love and kindness shown by all of you. A special thank you to Dave McCaw and staff for their kindness at this difficult time. Obituary NOBLE: Lilian Frances Noble passed away at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Lilian leaves to mourn her passing three children: June (Keith) Thompson, Ed Noble, and Angela (Dennis) Tosaki; seven grandchildren: Kelly Thompson (Adam LeClair), Tammy Thompson (David Wighton), Lee (Lana) Noble, Robin Noble (Chantel Walker), Rikki (Shannon) Ducharme, Randi Noble Smith (Jesse Smith) and Kiana Tosaki; and five great grandchildren: Addysen Noble, Josie Ducharme, Halle Ducharme, Ellis Smith and Jenner Smith; brothers-in-laws Dick and Tom Noble; sisters-in-law Joan and Doris Noble; numerous relatives. Lily was predeceased by her husband Harold; her son Rickey; parents Samuel and Molly Munday; sisters Mary, Brenda, Joyce and Pat; brothers Eddie and Ken. Lilian was born in Gosport, England on June 30, 1920. She was the first generation of women to be called up to work in the factories. Lilian met Harold on a blind date arranged by a friend in February 1944. Soon after, Harold was sent to Europe, and they wrote many letters to each other (of course these were censored), but the courtship continued in this way. December 1, 1944 Harold returned to Gosport and on December 5 they were married. Forty-eight hours later Harold shipped out to India, a posting that lasted almost a year. In March 1946 Harold returned to Canada and Lily arrived in Saskatoon on May 26 (the first time she had seen Harold in civilian clothes). They moved to Twin Lakes. Their “made in England - delivered in Canada” daughter, June, was born September 3, 1946 followed by Ed in 1948, Rickey in 1953, and Angela in 1963. During the following years, they worked at the Selmer farm as well as on their own. Farming was tough and like all others they milked cows, raised chickens, and helped out at the Post Office which was moved from Twin Lakes to Hillmond and operated by Harold’s parents. In 1957 Harold and Lily also operated the North Star petroleum business in Hillmond for a few years until they purchased the Bob Brandt farm in about 1962 in the Twin Lakes area where they farmed and ranched with Ed and Ann and family until they moved to the Pioneer Lodge in February 2011. Lilian was a great community volunteer in many areas including 4-H, curling, hockey, square dancing, seniors society, winter games, crib tournaments and legion events. Both were involved in the construction and operation of the Hall, curling rink, arena and aeniors centre. Lily was a member of the Arenettes and the Hillmond Hall Committee. The memorial service for Lilian was conducted from Hillmond Memorial Hall on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 1:00 pm with Joyce Dickson officiating. Randi Noble Smith sang “Danny Boy”. Kelly and Tammy Thompson gave the eulogy as follows: In the immortal words of Lily Noble: “Shup you!” When my friends ask me about Grandma Lil I tell them she won the lottery – not the actual one, but god knows she tried! She was 95 years young, healthy almost all of those years, and married to the love of her life for nearly 70 of them. And in fact Grandma Lil passed away on the morning of what would have been their 71st Anniversary. Quite a fitting day for their reunion when you think about it. So… today really is a chance for us to celebrate her total awesomeness. We’ve put together some Lessons from Lil. Lesson 1: Fashion… Grandma had a massive garden at the farmhouse, one my cousins likely spent more time in than they care to remember. If you were driving by the farm in the right weather, you were entirely likely to get an eyeful of Lil in her short shorts and tube top – or a bra if she was kicking if up a notch. We judged the outfit of the day by the number of honks from any given trucker. The takeaway: It is perfectly appropriate to garden in whatever you damn well please. Lesson 2: Swimming with Sharks… We grew up as part of the Jaws generation. For those of you not blessed by 1970’s special effects, suffice it to say I was absolutely terrified of sharks – who the hell lets a 10-year-old go to a movie like that alone (Keith!)? On one of the many occasions Grandma and Grandpa were at the lake, they were watching me get ready to go waterskiing. Always supportive, my clearest memory laying back in the water waiting to take off was Lil’s voice saying “don’t let a shark bite your wiener schnitzel off!”. I’ve never been the same. The takeaway: Grandchildren can also be used for general entertainment purposes. Lesson 3: Kidnapping… We’ll never know exactly what Grandpa told Grandma Canada really looked like. If you accept Grandma’s version, it was something slightly different than the “godforsaken hinterland” that welcomed her when she got off the train, pregnant with June. But this strong, independent woman wouldn’t let a lack of indoor plumbing spoil the vision of her Little House on the Prairie. The takeaway: Home is where the heart is. Lesson 4: Vitamin D… So, my cousins are awesome. When Adam and I got married, we decided it would be in Palm Springs, California. Against all sense and better judgment the cousins loaded Lil up, stuffed her on a plane and included her in the festivities. There was a number of problems with this – first, she stole the show by dancing all of us under the table. Second, as you may know, Lil very much likes her sunshine. The problem? Lil was not supposed to be in the sun due to some medication she was on. Well, that made the pool party a challenge. But Lil met her match in my friend Mike, who is a paramedic and outweighs Grandma by roughly 3 to 1. There was no need for entertainment, because for the next three hours we just listened to the negotiations of a 93 year old woman and one tough paramedic. “Mike I think those 15 minutes are UP”. “No Lil, it’s not time yet, I will move the umbrella when it is”. “Mike, time is up – I’m sure!”. And so on and so on and so on until the sun set behind the mountains!! The takeaway: Lil’s love of sun is greater than anyone on earth’s willpower. Lesson 5: Time is Relative… Speaking of the cousins and the trip to Palm Springs – the plane took off and the beverage cart was coming down the aisle offering juice, coffee, tea etc. at about 9:20 am. When they got to her she declared she would like a red wine. They laughed and said while they liked her style, they didn’t usually serve that until after 10 am. No matter – the flight attendant ran back and got her a red wine on the house, then for rest of the flight kept coming back to check on her. She had the passengers and the attendants roaring the whole flight. The takeaway: Rules are merely suggestions! Lesson 6: Dazzle ‘em… When I was 9 or 10, Grandma taught me a saying I’m sure many of you heard come across her lips: Speaking from a diabolical point of view, I consider your mental facilities insufficiently developed to cope with my bombastical play of eloquence. I think she used it as a warm-up in the morning. The takeaway: Probably enough said. Lesson 7: How to be a Diva… It’s Friday, and we all know what that means! It was time to go to town and set Lil loose on the unsuspecting residents of Lloydminster. First, and most important, was always the hair. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know too many people who had better hair than Lil in all of her blond glory. The day normally proceeded to the bank and the mall, where Lil would hold court with anyone and everyone who would listen! Harold was merely the chauffeur. The takeaway: Fabulous has no expiry date. Lesson 8: A way with words… When I was finishing up high school, I was trying to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. One of the possible routes was pilot training with the Air Force, and an aeronautical engineering degree. I went through the basic tests to qualify and all went well except one big problem: I was too tall. Specifically, my legs were too long. Grandpa was interested in the process of course, and asked lots of questions. In only the way Lil can, she condensed the story for ALL of you down to this: “I was too long from here to here and couldn’t eject.” The takeaway: Always know where your closest emergency exit is. Lesson 9: Viagra… We were watching a little football one afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa. A commercial came on and the commentator said “If your erection lasts more than four hours call a doctor”. Lil said “Call the doctor?! I’m calling the neighbors!” The takeaway: Never underestimate the sass of a woman in her 90’s. Well I guess there is a pretty clear theme here, and that’s how much fun Grandma Lil really was. She was the life of every party, the love of Grandpa’s life, a beloved sister and a doting Great Grandma. She is our favorite English export and we are incredibly thankful she took that big adventure in 1946 and gave us all the gift of a big, loving family. That family was with her until the very end, by her side holding her hand – and we want to thank you all for your caring, especially those of you who watched over her these last days, months and even years. The last thing I have from Grandma is my wedding card. She wrote “My love & best wishes, forever & always. The greatest party in 2013 Grandpa missed, but I danced & drank for both of us!” Grandma, we know you are in Harold’s arms again, dancing the night away. Grandma, in your words “love ya and leave ya.” Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Pioneer Lodge, Home Care, Dr. Cooke Extended Care, the doctors and nursing staff of the Lloydminster Hospital, and especially to Dr. Snyman. Thank you to Joyce Dickson and Heidi Hougham for the beautiful service and music, and to the members of the Hillmond Hall Committee for the lovely luncheon. To the many family and fiends who attended the funeral, sent flowers and cards, donations, food and visited - thank you. We were overwhelmed by the love and kindness shown by all of you. A special thank you to Dave McCaw and staff for their kindness at this difficult time. Obituary McCaw Funeral Service, of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.