Obituary for Lillian Beaumont Duff
It is with loving thoughts and fond memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Lillian Duff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home.
Lillian was the daughter of the late Dr. Allan J. Davidson and Jane (Jen) Davidson. She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Allan Davidson in 1977, her devoted husband of 66 years, James Duff, in 2013, and her great-grandson Jack van Gaalen in October 2018.
She is survived and will be celebrated by her children, Sharon, Cathie (Colin), Brian (Carol), and Marilyn, as well as 11 grandchildren, Jane, Joel, Cameron, Andrew, Alison, Michael, Graham, Jennifer, Sarah, Matthew, Nicole, and 6 great- grandchildren, James, Jensen, Ruan, Everett, Hailey and Audrey.
Lillian attended Wolseley, Laura Secord and Gordon Bell schools. She studied Home Economics at the University of Manitoba for one year where a handsome lab instructor, Jim Duff, took a special interest in her. That was the beginning of a long and happy relationship. Lillian realized that nursing was what she was really meant to do. She entered the Winnipeg General Hospital of Nursing in 1944 and obtained her Registered Nurse diploma in 1947. As well as gaining a very fine training through those years, she made wonderful friendships which she treasured her whole life. She was a Life Member of the WGH-HSC Nurses' Alumnae and was always interested in the activities of this organization.
On April 12, 1947 Lillian married James Duff. The couple spent 18 months in Minneapolis while Jim earned his MSc and Lillian nursed. They returned to Winnipeg to share the family home with Lillian's mother and Lillian resided in that family home on Wolseley Avenue until declining health caused her to require care.
Lillian and Jim enjoyed travelling cross-country in a tent trailer with children and later took tours and cruises to farther away points.
Lillian was a long-time member of McClure United church (formerly Greenwood Church where she taught Sunday School for 22 years). She was a Life Member of the United Church Women and served on the church board for many years.
As a member of the former University of Winnipeg Women's Auxiliary she enjoyed the fellowship of many friends as they worked toward the goal of providing scholarships for students of the university.
Kind, compassionate, and loving, Lillian's greatest love was for her family. She was a dedicated mother and homemaker catering to many boisterous family visits when younger generations returned to her treasured home in Wolseley. She was always grateful for the wonderful relationship she and Jim shared with them and the 11 grandchildren. Her life was also enriched by many friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the outstanding staff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home for the excellent care Lillian received over the past 5 1/2 years.
A private celebration of Lillian's life will take place at a later date.
If desired, donations in Lillian's memory may be made to McClure United Church or Calvary Place PCH.
Lillian was the daughter of the late Dr. Allan J. Davidson and Jane (Jen) Davidson. She was predeceased by her brother Dr. Allan Davidson in 1977, her devoted husband of 66 years, James Duff, in 2013, and her great-grandson Jack van Gaalen in October 2018.
She is survived and will be celebrated by her children, Sharon, Cathie (Colin), Brian (Carol), and Marilyn, as well as 11 grandchildren, Jane, Joel, Cameron, Andrew, Alison, Michael, Graham, Jennifer, Sarah, Matthew, Nicole, and 6 great- grandchildren, James, Jensen, Ruan, Everett, Hailey and Audrey.
Lillian attended Wolseley, Laura Secord and Gordon Bell schools. She studied Home Economics at the University of Manitoba for one year where a handsome lab instructor, Jim Duff, took a special interest in her. That was the beginning of a long and happy relationship. Lillian realized that nursing was what she was really meant to do. She entered the Winnipeg General Hospital of Nursing in 1944 and obtained her Registered Nurse diploma in 1947. As well as gaining a very fine training through those years, she made wonderful friendships which she treasured her whole life. She was a Life Member of the WGH-HSC Nurses' Alumnae and was always interested in the activities of this organization.
On April 12, 1947 Lillian married James Duff. The couple spent 18 months in Minneapolis while Jim earned his MSc and Lillian nursed. They returned to Winnipeg to share the family home with Lillian's mother and Lillian resided in that family home on Wolseley Avenue until declining health caused her to require care.
Lillian and Jim enjoyed travelling cross-country in a tent trailer with children and later took tours and cruises to farther away points.
Lillian was a long-time member of McClure United church (formerly Greenwood Church where she taught Sunday School for 22 years). She was a Life Member of the United Church Women and served on the church board for many years.
As a member of the former University of Winnipeg Women's Auxiliary she enjoyed the fellowship of many friends as they worked toward the goal of providing scholarships for students of the university.
Kind, compassionate, and loving, Lillian's greatest love was for her family. She was a dedicated mother and homemaker catering to many boisterous family visits when younger generations returned to her treasured home in Wolseley. She was always grateful for the wonderful relationship she and Jim shared with them and the 11 grandchildren. Her life was also enriched by many friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the outstanding staff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home for the excellent care Lillian received over the past 5 1/2 years.
A private celebration of Lillian's life will take place at a later date.
If desired, donations in Lillian's memory may be made to McClure United Church or Calvary Place PCH.