Lilian passed away suddenly and peacefully on February 20, 2021 from a stroke in Victoria BC, her lifelong home, with her daughter Karen at her side.
Lil was born July 16, 1922 to John Charles (Jack) and Ann (Bishop) Curtis. She was in her 99th year. Lil married Robert Craven Etches in November 1956, her one true love, who predeceased her in April 2007. Her beloved sister Evelyn predeceased her in September 2020.
Lil graduated from Victoria High School completing her last two years in one year so that she could enter the workforce for the family. Early on in her business career, she spent a year in the Yukon with her best friend Bunny, working in the office of United Keno Mines. She went on from there to work for several small companies and CPA firms in Victoria providing accounting services.
Lil was an intelligent woman, truly ahead of her time. She was meticulous with everything she did and demonstrated throughout her life a certain resilience.
Her life was well-lived. She treasured her time at the family cabin at Shawinigan Lake, in particular Sunday dinners. She also enjoyed her travels with Robert both near and far, playing bridge with “the girls”, and her osteofit classes. In the last years of her life, it was walking along the Songhees, drives to the beach, doing her laps and biking at home, which was almost always followed by tea and cookies!
Lil is survived by her devoted daughter Karen Ann and husband Peter Paterson; her brother and sister-in-law Elmer and Maxine Curtis and many nieces and nephews. All of these people in Lil’s life she loved deeply. Family meant everything to her.
Lil enjoyed a full and happy life, full of laughter, right until the end and the family wishes to thank those that made it possible for her to live in her Songhees condo until her passing.
Loving and kind in all her ways and words. Lil’s love will live on with us forever.
Given COVID restrictions a private memorial may be held at a future date. Those wishing to honour Lil’s life may make a donation to the Victoria Eldercare Foundation https://gvef.org/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Devi Jawl
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sue olive Dear Karen
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
“when you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that is truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight” (Kahlil Gibran)
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Preet Kang Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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Sherri Davis I am so sorry for your loss Karen. We only have one mom, and losing her creates a void that cannot be refilled. Time will help but the best medicine is to stay close to the people you love and enjoy the most. My thoughts are with you.
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Clive Wheatley Dear Karen,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. I hope you are doing all right.
Take care
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Sophie LeBlanc Karen,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. I know how close you were with her, and I’m glad you were able to share some very special moments. You and Pete are in my thoughts.
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Debbie Marchand Dear Karen. I was sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I will always remember your mom’s positivity and enthusiasm for life. She and your dad were such kind and caring people and ai always thought of them as a great team. I will be thinking about you especially since both of our mom’s have died this year during the pandemic.
Debbie Marchand, Violet Thornton’s (Curtis) daughter
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Carolyn Whysall Karen,
My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your mum. I am thinking of you at this sad time.
Carolyn Whysall (CRA)
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Bill and Barb Dexter We are very sorry to learn of the sudden passing of Lillian, your much loved and dearly treasured mother, Karen. Although the right words never seem adequate during such a difficult and painful time, please know we are keeping you, Peter and your family in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Our sincerest condolences.
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Judy and Bob Law Hi Karen
Bob and I were so sorry to find your Mom had passed away. Although we haven’t been in touch…other than Christmas cards, you and your Mom have been in our thoughts especially when we walk the waterfront. When I think of your Mom, I see her smile and hear her laugh! We have been very lucky to have known her.
You also hold a special place in our hearts…you were the little girl who sent our wedding bouquet, along with pictures to my Mom which she received just before she passed away. We will always be grateful to you for this. I suspect your Mom had a hand in this wonderful gesture…just another Lillian quality.
Kind thoughts.
Bob and Judy
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Donna clements Karen, I am so sorry for your loss
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Tony Carlson Dear Karen,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. We talked many times about how close you were with her and how vibrant she was all her life. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I will always be there for you. Take care my friend and know that your Mom’s spirit will always watch over you.
Dear Karen:
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. You were indeed a devoted daughter and she was very lucky to have you. Bob and I send our condolences to you and Pete at this sad time.
Bob and Devi Jawl