It is with deepest regret, we announce the peaceful passing of Lillian Hamilton, widow of Stanley E. Hamilton (formerly of Carnduff, SK), on Friday, August 23, 2019 at Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Lillian Irene, eldest child of Merlin and Verlie Arnott, was born on June 20, 1926 on the home farm in Riverside Municipality near Dunrea, MB. She spoke fondly of playing with younger brothers Glenn and Jimmy on the farm as they were growing up along with numerous cousins that lived in the area. Lillian’s early education was received at Roland and Killarney Schools. Once high school was completed, she taught at Fairfield School for a year prior to attending nurse’s training in Brandon. Lillian graduated as a Registered Nurse from Brandon General Hospital in 1948 winning the Gold Medal for her class that year. She worked in Brandon for a period of time and went on to McGill University for post-graduate studies in Psychiatric Nursing. Again, she returned to Brandon, working at the Brandon Mental Hospital as both a staff nurse and an instructor. After a few years, she moved to Saskatoon, SK and was hired as a Psychiatric Nurse at the Royal University Hospital where she was instrumental in the establishing of their Psychiatric Dept.

It was during her time in Saskatoon that she met Stan Hamilton, a young farmer from Carnduff who often took winter agriculture courses in the city. Lillian and Stan were married on December 27, 1958 in Brandon MB. Following their marriage, they took up residence on the farm south of Carnduff where they worked together in a mixed farming operation. Lillian soon made many lifelong friends in the area. She was involved in many community activities such as the Wheatland Women’s Group, the Church and Sunday school program and a member of the Carnduff & District Music & Arts Festival Association. Along with all the community functions she maintained a farm home with a garden and fruit trees, helped in the field and with the cattle as necessary.

In 1964, they welcomed their chosen daughter Leah, making their family complete. Lillian was a steadfast mother always encouraging Leah to do her best at anything. Both Lillian and Stan were of great support as Leah grew and ultimately left home. Leah pursued nursing, which of course made Lillian even a little “more” proud. Stan and Lillian heartily welcomed Gordon Link to the family when Leah and Gordon married in 1988.

In 1989, Lillian and Stan sold their farm at Carnduff and retired to Brandon. They moved into a warm and friendly neighborhood where they easily made new and lasting friendships both young and old. To this day contact remains and has been a great comfort and support to the family.

In 1990 Justin, their oldest grandson was born, followed by Mark in 1994. They were very proud, supportive and engaged grandparents who helped with child care, came to music lessons and recitals, watched soccer and bowling games and attended school activities. Lillian and Stan had a strong sense of family and get-togethers were very important to them.

Lillian and Stan shared 56 years together and until Stan’s death in 2015 they were completely devoted to each other. Where one was – so was the other! Following Stan’s death, Lillian’s health resulted in her moving to Hillcrest Place Personal Care Home where she again made new friends. Even with her ailing health she always remained engaged in conversation and enjoyed many of the activities offered. She continued to love music since music was such a huge part of her life. Every time she would visit Leah she would take a round out of the piano. She continued to play even in the care home where she resided not long prior to her death, as she had for many years at church, Sunday school music festivals and simply for her own pleasure.

Lillian will be missed and treasured by daughter Leah, son-in-law Gordon, grandsons Justin and Mark and numerous extended family and friends. Lillian was pre-deceased by husband Stan (2015), her parents Merlin (1966) and Verlie (2003) Arnott, in-laws Jim (1964) and Freda (1974) Hamilton, brother Jim (1990) and sister-in-law Darlene (2017) and niece Shawna (1983) Arnott and brother Glenn (2016) Arnott.

A Celebration of Lillian’s Life was held at Memories Chapel in Brandon, MB on August 29, 2019 with Rev. Doug Neufeld officiating. A private family interment will take place at Carnduff Cemetery at a later date. If so desired, donations in Lillian’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B 457-9th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 1K2 or to a charity of one’s choice.