Lillian LeFriend

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Lillian (Lil) Lefriend (nee Chipman). Predeceased by husband John (Jack) Lefriend; parents John and Louise Chipman; siblings Mary Ann, Mary, Stan, Max, Raymond; grand-daughter Tabitha; ex-husband, Arlen Francis Bonnar.

Survived by children Arlen (Jean) Montreal, Thomas (Carolyn), Lorne (Joanne), Louann (Milton), James (Maggie), Edward (Sissy); 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren;  siblings Margaret, John, Shirley; sisters-in-law Claire, Dorothy, Celine, Jess, Chub, Phyllis, and hundreds of nieces, nephews and extended family. There is one whom mom referred to as "the bestest friend in the whole world", her friend of 40 years, Lorna Willey, Montreal.

We want to thank from the bottom of our heart, Dean and Mary Lefriend for their constant and loving care for our mom. To their children Kenny, Allison and mom's "buddy", Michael, know that she loved you as her own.

Our thanks go out to her step-daughter Lorna (Murray) for her love and care. To the larger Lefriend family, thank you for any kindness shown our mother.

Our mom was a kind, generous, loving and hardworking woman. She went to great extremes to care for her family and made many sacrifices for them.  She dearly loved her children, grandchildren and the extended family. As a young woman she worked at the old City Hospital before beginning thirty years of working at Smith's Pastry, in Ashby. She became "the wedding cake decorator" in our large family. She was a great cook and there was always a place at her table for one more. Her hospitality knew no limits!

In the late 80's, she move to Sutton, Qc, to live with her son, Arlen. She opened a small and successful pastry shop and was well known in the community. It was on a holiday back to Sydney that she bumped into an "old flame" she had not seen in thirty-five years. She returned to Sutton head-over-heels in love with Jack Lefriend. He, too, fell in love with her! They were married in Montreal and lived in Oshawa for a number of years.

Twenty-five years ago they moved to Ingonish and together, built a home filled with love and a welcome for all. Mom lived there with the man she loved until his passing two years ago. Theirs was a love story and she missed him deeply!

While her spirit remained strong her body began to let her down. She passed away surrounded by family and love. We are grateful to palliative home care for their amazing support. Internment will occur in Ingonish at a later date.

It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to our mother and yet, our spirits are lifted that God has blessed us with a mother such as ours. Today she is with all who have made the journey before her and we look forward to the day when, we too, will join them.

"In Life, in death, in life beyond death, we are not alone! Thanks be to God!"

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.foresathaven.ca